Anticoagulation can prevent the propagation of the clot and decrease chances of emboli formation. What has been found to be just as effective as treatment with IV heparin is low molecular weight heparin. Often oral anticoagulation therapy, warfarin, is started within 24 hours of diagnosis. If anticoagulation therapy is contraindicated, because there is bleeding or increased risk for bleeding, then the surgical placement of an inferior venal caval filter can be done to prevent pulmonary embolus. If there is extensive ileofemoral venous thrombosis and the patient has a low risk of bleeding, then thrombolytic therapy can be given.
Thrombolytic therapy is aimed at dissolving clots that already have formed.
Because superficial venous thromboses pose little risk for embolization, they can be treated supportively, i.e. application of heat to the involved area, elevation of the legs and administration of anti-inflammatories such as aspirin.