Traveling long distances, whether by car, plane, train, or bus, usually means sitting for extended periods of time, and it also puts you at risk for DVT. As the holiday season approaches and families start planning their travel schedules, Dr. Shah of VitalCare Family Practice shares information about DVT and how to avoid the condition.
What is DVT?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) happens when a blood clot forms in one or more deep veins in your body, usually in the legs. This is a serious condition because a blood clot can break loose, travel through your bloodstream, and stick in your lungs, which blocks air flow.
Symptoms
Sometimes DVT has no noticeable symptoms. Other times, there are one or more of these symptoms present:
- swelling in the leg
- cramping or soreness in the leg, often beginning in the calf area
- tenderness in the leg
- warmth in the leg
- red or discolored skin in the leg
How to Avoid
DVT often occurs when a person remains inactive for long periods of time. Children who travel are more active, even when sitting in a cramped plane seat, so they are less likely to develop DVT than adults. Adults who need to sit for extended flights, or sit in a waiting area for many hours, or sit in a car, bus, or train for long hours, should take some precautions to prevent DVT.
- Move your legs often. Walk when possible. Walking squeezes veins and keeps blood flowing.
- Wear compression stockings. These apply gentle pressure to the legs.
- Avoid socks with tight elastic bands.
- Avoid crossing your legs for long periods of time.
- When you can’t get up and walk, do gentle exercises such as curling your toes down, or pressing your toes to the ground while raising your heels. This also helps keep the blood moving.
- Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Dehydration shrinks veins, making clotting more likely.
- If you are the driver, make stops about every hour to stand up and stretch your legs.
If you have been traveling and have one or more symptoms of DVT, it is imperative to make an appointment with Dr. Shah. After diagnosis and assessment, VitalCare Family Practice will provide the next steps for your treatment.
