Q: Do you put a cold or hot compress on a swollen leg with a blood clot? – Randy G.
A: Blood clots in the leg need immediate attention. The clot could move to your lungs and cause pulmonary embolism, that could lead to death. If you have seen a doctor and you have a superficial blood clot, warm compresses, compression stockings and ibuprofen are the suggested treatment. If you have been diagnosed with DVT (deep venous thrombosis), you will need blood thinners and several ultrasounds to confirm the clot is shrinking.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ‘Ask Dr. Renee’. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.