The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) developed these recommendations.

In venous thromboembolism (VTE), blood clots form in veins. The clots often form in leg veins, a condition called deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Pieces of these leg clots can break off and travel to the lungs, a serious condition called pulmonary embolism. Blood thinners (anticoagulants) are the main treatment for VTE. Several options are available. Fractionated heparin must be given through a small tube placed into a vein (intravenous catheter) and requires blood tests and dosage adjustments at least daily. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that comes in pill form, but it requires testing and dose changes every few days to weeks. Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) are given by injection under the skin and do not require testing and dosage adjustments. These same drugs also treat pulmonary embolism. Compression or support stockings may help prevent chronic leg pain and swelling after DVT. Given the several options for treatment, clear recommendations would be useful. as hospital treatment for patients with appropriate support at home. Two high-quality studies that examined the use of compression stockings within 1 month of DVT showed that their use reduced chronic leg problems after DVT.