Professor Lord agrees that identifying symptoms is difficult, particularly in severe cases. Diagnostic ultrasound is the best method to detect restrictions in blood flow, often in combination with blood tests. Diagnostic ultrasound is the best method to detect restrictions in blood flow, often in combination with blood tests. Treatment sometimes requires hospitalization to dissolve the clot and try and reduce the risk of other clots developing. The main treatment is blood-thinning medication administered intravenously and orally.
Exercise also stimulates blood flow.
But, as with many complications, prevention is often the best strategy. Professor Lord advises patients to make sure they exercise and flex their leg muscles, especially if they are sitting in a cramped position for a long period of time. Nature sends out a lot of signals. If you have been sitting in one position that the body doesn't like, you will feel cramped. In relation to air travel, he advises those more at risk of developing DVT to begin taking half an aspirin a day for 10 days prior to travel.