Deep
vein thrombosis
Clotting of blood in the lower legs is known
as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Blood passing through the deepest veins
in the calf or thigh flows relatively slowly and when DVT occurs it
moves so slowly that it forms a solid clot which becomes wedged in the
vein.
The most common, serious complication of DVT
is a pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot breaks free from a vein
wall and travels to the lung where it blocks an artery. This can be
life threatening and requires immediate medical attention. More rarely,
the clot, or part of it may also lodge in other organs such as the brain.
Symptoms
Quite often there are no symptoms at all. Where
they do exist, there may be pain or tenderness in the leg and raised
skin temperature around the area. Sudden swelling in one leg may be
the first sign. Occasionally some of the surface veins are more visible
though the skin. There may also be pain on flexing the foot upwards.
Risk
Factors
DVTs are becoming more common in
travellers. Journeys of more than five hours long by plane, car or train
increase the risk of DVT. In particular, the combination of inactivity
and dehydration whilst flying makes the blood more ”sticky” .
There also appears to be individual susceptibility to the development
of DVT, risk factors include.
- Previous DVT.
- Malignancy.
- Hormone treatment.
- Pregnancy.
- Recent surgery.
- Family history of DVT.
- Abnormalities of blood clotting factors.
- Recent trauma involving lower limbs.
Advice
to avoid the development of DVT
- Drink plenty of water on the flights to prevent dehydration (more
liquid will also mean more trips to the toilet and an increase in
mobility).
- Avoid alcohol. · Avoid smoking .
- Avoid crossing legs whilst seated.
- Walk around the cabin/carriage whenever possible.
- During long road journeys make regular stops to exercise your legs.
- Stand up in your seat area and stretch your arms and legs.
- Carry out foot and leg exercises –move your ankles up and down and
around
- Try to get an aisle or exit seat so you have more room and easier
access to walking.
- Do not fly for at least one month after surgery or any major injury
to the legs.
- Do not sleep in an uncomfortable position.
- Wear thigh high elasticated stockings if you are at risk of a clot.
- Make sure they do not slip an become tight around the knee ·
- Do not put luggage under the seat as this will further limit your
legroom.
- Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes when travelling.
- Seek medical advice before travelling if you have any previous history
of