Ruth Ann Cooper, D.P.M

Many of us are booking our vacations after a long period of avoiding crowds. Long car or plane rides out you at risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

A DVT occurs when a blockage or blood clot forms in veins deep in the leg or other parts of the body. If the clot breaks free and travels through the blood stream, it can get stuck in the lung causing a pulmonary embolism, which can make breathing difficult and could even result in death. Some people are more at risk for developing a DVT. Varicose veins, blood clotting disorders, pregnancy or recent childbirth, obesity, tobacco use and heart disease are all risk factors for DVT. People over 40 years of age, those who recently had surgery and those who are immobile due to inactivity or because they’re wearing a cast are also at higher risk for this condition. 

People with a DVT may have little or no symptoms. Some signs include swelling in the leg, pain in the calf or thigh or warmth or redness in the leg. If you have any of these warning signs, seek medical treatment immediately.

If you are at risk for DVT and have plans for a long trip, here are tips to reduce the chance of developing a blood clot.

• Exercise your legs every 2-3 hours to keep blood flowing back to your heart. Walk up and down the aisle of the plane or train, rotate ankles while sitting and take regular breaks on car trips.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and avoid coffee and alcohol.
• Consider wearing compression socks.