Airline Travel and Swollen Ankles: Understanding Possible Causes and When Medical Attention is Needed
Risk of Blood Clots and Swollen Ankles During Long-Haul Flights
Travelling long distances by air can potentially lead to health complications, such as the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and swollen ankles. Here's what you need to know about these conditions and how to stay safe during your journey.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is a form of venous thromboembolism (VTE) that occurs when blood clots form in a person's deep veins, often in the legs. A large DVT clot can be fatal by stopping blood from reaching the lungs.
The risk factors for DVT during long-haul flights include immobility, age, history of DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE), recent surgery or trauma, thrombophilia, use of oral contraceptive pills or hormonal therapy, obesity, limited mobility, and active malignancy.
Symptoms of DVT
If you experience any of the following symptoms after or during long flights, seek immediate medical attention:
- Swelling in one leg, ankle, or foot
- Warmth and redness of the affected area
- Pain or tenderness, especially worsening with standing or walking
- Persistent cramping sensations in the leg
- Visible surface veins and discomfort that does not improve with rest
It's important to note that DVT itself is not usually dangerous, but its main complication—pulmonary embolism (a clot traveling to the lungs)—can be life-threatening.
Preventing DVT and Swollen Ankles
To reduce the risk of DVT, prophylactic measures during flights include moving about the cabin, performing lower limb exercises, wearing properly fitted graduated compression stockings, and for high-risk individuals, subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin or oral anticoagulation under medical advice.
Swollen ankles during and after air travel can result from a buildup of fluid (edema) in the legs. While there's no evidence to suggest that drinking water can effectively prevent swollen ankles when flying, standing up or walking about every 2 to 3 hours can help. Exercising the calf during the journey is also recommended.
Important Considerations
If you have swollen ankles due to leg edema, you may experience symptoms such as the leg feeling full or heavy, looking swollen, difficulty moving the foot, and skin near the swelling feeling tight or warm. These symptoms usually resolve without treatment, but if the swelling persists and you experience ongoing symptoms of DVT, contact a healthcare professional.
Remember, leg edema from flying is common and often harmless, but it can also be a sign of a deeper vein thrombosis (DVT). If you have any concerns, consult a doctor.
Sources: [1] NHS UK. (2021). Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/ [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353916 [3] American Society of Haematology. (2021). Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Retrieved from https://www.hematology.org/conditions/bleeding-disorders/patients/deep-vein-thrombosis [4] MedlinePlus. (2021). Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000764.htm [5] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt
- Atopic individuals may have a higher risk of developing thrombosis due to their weakened immune system during long flights.
- Diabetes type 1 and type 2 are chronic diseases that can increase the risk of developing DVT due to poor circulation and increased inflammation.
- Sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders can increase immobility during flights, leading to an increased risk of DVT.
- Obesity can contribute to an increased risk of DVT due to increased pressure on the veins in the legs.
- Dermatitis, particularly severe cases, can limit mobility and increase the risk of DVT during long flights.
- Cancer patients undergoing treatment, especially those with respiratory or digestive health, are at a higher risk of developing DVT.
- Asthma, lung, and other respiratory conditions can increase the risk of DVT due to changes in air pressure during flights.
- Eye-health conditions that limit mobility or require a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of DVT during long flights.
- Hearing impairment can make it difficult to notice symptoms of DVT, such as pain or swelling in the legs.
- Health-and-wellness professionals recommend fitness-and-exercise, including lower limb exercises during flights, to reduce the risk of DVT.
- Autoimmune disorders such as Crohn's disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of DVT due to inflammation and decreased immunity.
- Mental-health disorders such as depression and anxiety can limit mobility and increase the risk of DVT during long flights.
- Skin-care practices that involve prolonged immobility, such as aesthetic treatments or medical procedures, can increase the risk of DVT.
- Therapies-and-treatments that require prolonged bed rest or decreased mobility, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can increase the risk of DVT.
- Nutrition plays a role in maintaining cardiovascular health, which is essential for preventing DVT during long flights.
- Workplace-wellness programs that promote healthy lifestyles and exercise can help employees reduce their risk of chronic diseases, including DVT.
- Traveling with known medical-conditions, particularly those that increase the risk of DVT, requires careful planning and precautions to maintain health during long flights.
- Early detection and prevention are key to managing chronic diseases, including DVT, and promoting overall health-and-wellness, especially in the workplace.
