I have a history of blood clots in my legs. I also have very bad knees and want to try a knee joint replacement. I’m already taking a preventive blood thinner. What else can be done to prevent clots from forming?
Mechanical compression is gaining favor in this area. A compression pump is used to keep the blood from collecting in the feet and ankles. By using a burst of air at high pressure, the pump moves blood from the foot to the calf and up the leg. These are placed on the legs right after the operation. The patient wears them as much as possible. The device is removed during bathing, walking, or exercising. Movement is the key to preventing blood clot formation. The pumping action of the muscles is a natural form of prevention. Getting up and moving around as early and as often as your doctor allows is still the number one prevention strategy. Activity, compression pumps, and drugs combined together gives patients added protection against blood clot formation.
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