Do I need to make lifestyle changes? (Smoking, diet, exercise, etc.)

You can lower your risk of a blood clot by making a few lifestyle changes. These include giving up smoking, increasing exercise, and losing weight if you’re overweight, aiming for body mass index <30. When it comes to exercise, you don’t have to resort to extreme workouts—regular, gentle physical activity like walking is a great way to promote good circulation. If you are recently diagnosed, discuss with your physician whether physical activity is appropriate for you, how much activity is recommended, and how soon you can begin. Physically, do only what is comfortable. You will not speed up recovery by pushing yourself aggressively through symptoms of pain and swelling. But you also will not make things worse by being active.