As the holidays approach, so do the hectic travel plans. And, as if you don’t have enough stress, you keep hearing horror stories about deep-venous thrombosis, a potentially serious blood clot condition that can develop when people remain stationary for long periods (like when traveling).
But don’t panic: Dr. Gary Weinstein, chief of critical care medicine at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, says DVT occurs in only two out of every 1,000 people every year, and there are preventative measures you can take to protect yourself during your journey.
Symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, warmth and redness in the leg, but DVT can strike without symptoms, he says. So, it’s important to take precautions.
When traveling, stand up and walk every one to two hours; steer clear of alcohol, smoking and sedating medications (which limit movement while you’re sleeping); and flex and extend your ankles and knees while seated, Weinstein says. On a plane, request bulkhead or exit-row seating so you’ll have more room to stretch out, he adds.
