- 1). Find out if you have a family history of plebitis (blood clots), stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis or obesity that could show whether you have a propensity for developing blood clots at some point in your life.
- 2). When you travel, wear loose fitting clothing and socks so that the circulation of blood to your lower extremeties is not impeded. Consider purchasing and wearing compression stockings when travelling or when you have to stand or sit for long periods of time.
- 3). Change your position often during a long trip and occasionally stand or walk up and down the isle of the airplane, train or bus. This keeps the blood circulating freely and decreases the odds of your feet or ankles swelling up from fluid retention.
- 4). Minimize your salt intake, since salt causes water retention in your body that can lead to swelling.
- 5). Try not to sit or stand for more than one hour at a time, although with some jobs this might not be possible.
- 1). Notify your physician If you begin to experience swelling in your arms or legs that appears to have no cause. Also, note if the skin on your lower legs or arms begins to turn a bright red and the redness spreads over a short period of time. If your arms and legs become painful, immediately see a doctor.
- 2). Raise the bottom of your bed by 4 to 6 inches to help circulation, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a division of Health and Human Resources.
- 3). Take all medications your physician prescribes according to the scheduled time, making sure you do not miss a dose or take the medication late.
- 4). Elevate your legs or arms 6 inches above your heart as often as possible. If you have been ordered to bed for blood clots in your legs, keep your legs elevated at all times except when eating and seeing to your toileting needs.
previous post
next post