Prevention and Treatment of Post-Op Blood Clots

Your doctor may talk to you about what you can do to prevent a blood clot in the 3 months after surgery.

This could include:

• Early movement and exercise recommended by a physical therapist. In previous years, recovering knee replacement patients were often directed to use a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine to keep their knee moving, remove stiffness, prevent blood clots and improve range of motion. But research has since found limited or no benefit from using a CPM, and many doctors no longer recommend these machines.

• Wearing compression stockings or using a compression device that stops blood from pooling in your veins.

• Taking medication to lower your blood’s ability to form clots.

Early Warning Signs

See your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms, particularly in one arm or leg:

• Increased swelling in your ankles or calves

• Pain or tenderness in your calf or thigh, especially when you move your ankle

• Aching or cramps in one spot

• A reddish or bluish, hot area

• Veins that stick out more or have become hard and thick

Your doctor will order tests that can diagnose a blood clot. You may have an ultrasound, an MRI scan or an X-ray.
 

Treatment

Blood clots are most commonly treated with medication. You could be prescribed an anti-coagulant that stops more clots from forming and breaks down the clot you have. Depending on the medication, it will be given through your IV line, by an injection or in a pill by mouth.

With a small clot below the knee you may only require observation and monitoring.

Talk to your doctor about your risk for a blood clot and the steps you can take to prevent one.

When to Seek Urgent Care

A clot that travels to or forms in your lung is a medical emergency and you need to be seen by a health professional immediately. Call 911 or have someone take you to a hospital emergency department if you experience: 

• Sudden shortness of breath

• Sudden onset of chest pain

• Coughing

• Spitting up or vomiting blood

This service is not intended to provide individual medical advice, which should only be obtained directly from a qualified physician or healthcare professional. Your personal information will never be used for any purpose other than to help educate and support you. You may opt out at any time with no effect to the delivery of your care or health benefits.