HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Sudden Swelling In Feet And Ankle When Travelling?

I was recently traveling and my feet and ankles swelled up and my lower legs (shins and a little on my calves) turned a red splotchy color? I know your feet and ankles can swell with traveling, walking, and standing a lot but why would my legs and legs only turn red?
Mon, 18 Jan 2016
Report Abuse
Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist,  's  Response
Swelling is often in the lower area of the body like legs and ankle during hanging position because of gravity. Other reasons why sweeling and red spots appear could be any peripheral disorder like DVT, sometimes when BP raises high you suffer from edema and itchiness because of which red spots appear.
So in such case let me recommend you to please take some precautions and if it appears again then immediately contact some doctor to rule out the exact reason by various investigation procedures:
1. Try to elevate your legs whenever you are lying down, to a position above your heart.
2. Immediately do some ice massage over the area.
3. Perform some calf exercises so that blood circulation is maintained.
4. Wear stockings during your travel.
5. Wear loose fitting clothing.
6. Do not sit in one position for long. Try to change position frequently.
7. Avoid a position in which you have to hang your legs.
8. In office place small stoll under your foot while sitting and change the positions so that your leg does not comes directly in against gravity position as there are chances of increase in sweeling.

Please follow the above instructions/treatment. If still there is no relief then as an advice please visit some near by doctor for investigation as there may be chances of DVT or any thrombotic problem..
Good Luck and Get Well Soon
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Sudden Swelling In Feet And Ankle When Travelling?

Swelling is often in the lower area of the body like legs and ankle during hanging position because of gravity. Other reasons why sweeling and red spots appear could be any peripheral disorder like DVT, sometimes when BP raises high you suffer from edema and itchiness because of which red spots appear. So in such case let me recommend you to please take some precautions and if it appears again then immediately contact some doctor to rule out the exact reason by various investigation procedures: 1. Try to elevate your legs whenever you are lying down, to a position above your heart. 2. Immediately do some ice massage over the area. 3. Perform some calf exercises so that blood circulation is maintained. 4. Wear stockings during your travel. 5. Wear loose fitting clothing. 6. Do not sit in one position for long. Try to change position frequently. 7. Avoid a position in which you have to hang your legs. 8. In office place small stoll under your foot while sitting and change the positions so that your leg does not comes directly in against gravity position as there are chances of increase in sweeling. Please follow the above instructions/treatment. If still there is no relief then as an advice please visit some near by doctor for investigation as there may be chances of DVT or any thrombotic problem.. Good Luck and Get Well Soon