Protect Yourself From DVT While Visting Family These Holidays
Posted: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 | Revised: December 11, 2013
Understand What Causes DVT, And How To Protect Yourself When Traveling This Holiday Season
A deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein somewhere in the body. The legs are the most common location of DVT. A number of problems can result. The blood clot can grow large enough to block the vein, stopping the outflow of blood from that extremity. That can cause pain and swelling. A clot may damage the valves in the vein, leading to “Post thrombotic syndrome” with chronic swelling, pain, discoloration and ulcers in the leg. More seriously, a portion of the clot can break off and travel to the lungs, a potentially fatal problem called “Pulmonary Embolism.”
DVT or PE associated with travel has been nicknamed “Economy Class Syndrome,” although it can be associated with any form of travel or any section of the vehicle if the person traveling doesn’t get up and move. An important word of caution: you don’t need to have a vein problem to be at risk of DVT! It can happen to anyone. This type of clot occurs most often when the blood moves too slowly due to long periods of inactivity (e.g. while sitting in an airplane seat, during an illness or after surgery). If part of the clot breaks off, it can travel to the lungs and lodge in an artery causing a pulmonary embolism which can be fatal.
To prevent DVT while traveling:
1) Wear comfortable loose clothing and shoes – no tight jeans, tight pants, high heels or restrictive footwear
2) Keep moving – don’t sit still for long periods of time (this includes when you’re waiting to board your plane too). Get up and walk around at regular intervals
3) Wear light to moderate strength compression stockings to prevent leg swelling and blood pooling in your legs. Fortunately compression stockings have come a long way since the brown hose kind granny used to wear. Now you can get compression leggings and even lacey dress stockings that no one would be any the wiser about knowing they’re actually helping your blood circulate. Make sure you wear a pair that fits properly (call us if you need a custom fitting, we’d be happy to help)
4) Do point and flex exercise with your toes in sets of 10-12. You can also do round circular motions with each foot to prevent swelling in your ankles.
5) Talk to your doctor before prolonged travel if you have known increased risk factors for DVT such as having had a previous clot, known clotting tendency, recent cancer diagnosis or recent surgery.
Remember if you experience intense pain or cramping in your calves, tenderness in your leg, swelling or warmth – please call us immediately!