Swollen ankles and feet are common after long flights due to prolonged sitting, but persistent swelling, pain in one leg, or breathlessness can indicate serious medical conditions like deep vein thrombosis or heart failure

Swollen ankles and feet are common after long flights due to prolonged sitting, but persistent swelling, pain in one leg, or breathlessness can indicate serious medical conditions like deep vein thrombosis or heart failure

Swollen ankles and feet are common after long flights due to prolonged sitting, but persistent swelling, pain in one leg, or breathlessness can indicate serious medical conditions like deep vein thrombosis or heart failure

Swollen ankles and feet after a long flight are often caused by sitting for hours without movement. Fluid can collect in the legs leading to swelling that may ease once you start walking. But if the swelling persists, affects one leg, or comes with breathlessness, it could point to a serious problem, such as a blood clot or heart failure.

Why do your legs swell after a long flight?

When you sit for long hours, your leg muscles contract less often, slowing the return of blood towards your heart. Fluid can then build up around your ankles and feet. The swelling may settle after walking and moving your legs. If it persists or keeps returning, consult a health expert.

When does leg swelling be a sign of a heart problem?

If your heart is not pumping blood effectively, fluid can accumulate in your legs and ankles. Swelling in both legs along with breathlessness, unusual fatigue, or difficulty in breathing when lying flat may indicate heart failure. Arrange a medical assessment if you notice these symptoms.

Could a blood clot cause swelling in the legs after a flight?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein, often in the leg. Longer periods of immobility during travel can increase the risk. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, warmth or redness in one leg. Seek medical assessment if these develop after a flight.

How can you reduce leg swelling after a flight?

Move your feet and ankles regularly while seated and get up to walk when it is safe. After landing take walks rather than sitting for another extended period. If swelling does not improve or keeps returning, seek help.

When should you seek medical attention?

If you notice sudden swelling in one leg with pain, warmth or redness, it needs urgent assessment. If you develop breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or cough up blood, seek emergency care because these symptoms may indicate a clot that has travelled to the lungs.

(The author is a Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar)

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.

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