Blood clots can be dangerous if left untreated. A blood clot that forms inside one of your veins is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These clots usually occur in your legs, but they can also form in other parts of your body. Blood clots become dangerous when they break free from the vein and travel through your bloodstream. This is called an embolism. An embolism that lodges in your lungs is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE can damage your lungs and other organs and decrease oxygen levels in your blood. In severe cases, it can cause heart failure and death.
That’s why it’s crucial to dissolve blood clots quickly. But is it possible to simply rub a blood clot away? Let’s take a closer look.
What causes blood clots?
Blood naturally clots to stop bleeding after an injury. But sometimes, clots form on the inside of veins even when you’re not bleeding. This can happen if you:
– Have slowed blood flow in a vein due to inactivity or sitting for long periods
– Have thicker blood that’s more prone to clotting
– Have damage to the inner lining of a vein
– Have certain genetic factors that increase clotting
– Use birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
– Smoke cigarettes
– Are pregnant
– Are obese
– Have cancer
Other risk factors include recent surgery, trauma, or fractures that limit mobility. Clots are also more likely to develop after age 60.
Dangers of blood clots
As mentioned, the main danger with a blood clot is that it can break off and travel to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. A large PE can quickly become life-threatening by:
– Blocking blood flow to the lungs and decreasing oxygen levels
– Damaging lung tissue
– Causing excess fluid buildup in the lungs
– Creating heart strain or irregular heart rhythms
Smaller clots may not be immediately life-threatening. But over time, having repeated clots increases your risk of developing long-term problems like chronic pulmonary hypertension or heart failure.
That’s why it’s crucial to address blood clots quickly. A DVT in a large vein like the popliteal vein behind the knee has a 50% chance of embolizing within 7 to 10 days if not treated.
Treatment options
There are several medical treatments for blood clots:
Anticoagulant medications – Also called blood thinners, these drugs help prevent clots from getting bigger and new clots from forming. They do not break up existing clots. Examples include heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto).
Clot-busting medications – Also called fibrinolytic therapy, these drugs actively break up clots. Alteplase (Activase) and tenecteplase (TNKase) are examples. They are given through an IV.
Surgical thrombectomy – A surgeon makes an incision in the vein and removes the clot manually. This may be done for severe DVTs that do not respond well to medications.
Compression stockings – These elastic stockings promote blood flow in the legs and help prevent pooling of blood that can lead to clots. They may also help reduce pain and swelling.
Walking and light activity – For small calf vein clots, your doctor may recommend walking several times a day. This helps blood flow and prevents new clots.
So clearly, there are medical options for treating blood clots. But is it possible to simply rub away a clot with your hands?
Can you physically rub away a blood clot?
Unfortunately, you cannot simply rub away an existing blood clot with your hands or massage it away. Here’s why:
Clots develop deep inside veins
DVT clots form deep within leg veins, often behind the knee or in the groin. You cannot physically reach these clots to rub them away. Even superficial clots under the skin may be too deep to reach.
Clots stick firmly to vein walls
The body’s natural clotting process firmly adheres blood clots to the vein wall. Vigorously rubbing or massaging a clot is unlikely to dislodge it.
Risk of embolism
Attempting to forcibly rub away a clot carries a high risk of breaking off pieces. These pieces can then travel through the bloodstream and cause a potentially fatal PE.
No evidence for efficacy
There is no scientific evidence showing that manually massaging or rubbing a region of the body can eliminate blood clots.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you have signs or symptoms of a DVT, including:
– Swelling in one leg or arm
– Warmth, redness, pain or tenderness in a vein
– Visible surface veins
– Skin discoloration
– Difficulty walking or exercising
Seek immediate help if you develop sudden shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, lightheadedness, or coughing up blood. These may indicate a PE. Waiting too long increases your risk of complications.
Home remedies to avoid
It’s understandable to want to try home remedies when a blood clot occurs. However, some at-home methods can cause more harm than good. Avoid these ineffective or dangerous DIY treatments:
Massaging the area – Can’t directly remove clots and risks breaking off pieces.
Warm compresses – Won’t dissolve clots or break them up.
Ice packs – May reduce pain and swelling but won’t eliminate clots.
Arnica – Homeopathic remedy not proven effective.
Apple cider vinegar – No evidence it dissolves clots when applied topically.
Essential oils – May improve circulation but won’t actively destroy clots.
Bromelain supplements -Help prevent clots but don’t treat existing ones.
Castor oil packs – May reduce inflammation but don’t remove clots.
Horse chestnut extract – Helps vein health but doesn’t break up clots.
The bottom line is that blood clots require real medical treatment. While home remedies may help manage pain and swelling, talk to a doctor to actually eliminate clots and avoid complications.
Prevention
You can take steps to prevent new blood clots from forming:
– Move around frequently if sitting for long periods
– Exercise regularly to boost circulation
– Maintain a healthy weight
– Avoid smoking and excess alcohol
– Stay hydrated
– Avoid crossing your legs for long periods
– Consider compression stockings when traveling
– Discuss medications like birth control pills with your doctor
– Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and anti-inflammatory foods
Conclusion
Blood clots can be very dangerous if left untreated. While you cannot physically rub away or massage away an existing clot, prompt medical care can remove clots and restore healthy blood flow. See a doctor right away if you suspect a clot. With proper treatment, you can avoid potentially fatal complications. Consistent prevention methods can also reduce your risk of developing clots in the future.