Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Swollen Ankle And Cramping In Leg After Flying?
My left ankle is swollen. I have been on 6 long-haul flights in the past 6 weeks (I returned from LA-Sydney on the 18th May) It isn t unusual for me to have swollen ankles after a long haul flight but they have never been still swollen 10 day later. The day after the flight I had bad cramps in my legs but haven t had any irritation or pain since.
Fri, 19 Feb 2021
Hi,
Long journey or inability to walk for long periods cause accumulation of fluid in ankles, feet and lower end of legs which is a common phenomenon which happens due to inactivity of muscles which normally pump up blood in veins upwards. There is another condition called as Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which can happen due to inactivity of muscles in long journeys. It is a potentially dangerous condition in which a clot is formed in veins which could travel upwards to heart and thereafter go to lungs and cause pulmonary thromboembolism.
You need to get a Doppler test of legs to rule the presence of the clot out. You also should get a kidney function test to see the efficiency of your kidneys as inefficient kidney function can also cause fluid accumulation around your ankles. To get rid of the symptoms you should keep the feet above the level of your body and also walk during your flights in future. Pl do not massage your legs as the clot may get dislodged in case you have it. For pain you can have plain pain killers like Paracetamol.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Anoop Kumar, General & Family Physician
Long journey or inability to walk for long periods cause accumulation of fluid in ankles, feet and lower end of legs which is a common phenomenon which happens due to inactivity of muscles which normally pump up blood in veins upwards. There is another condition called as Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which can happen due to inactivity of muscles in long journeys. It is a potentially dangerous condition in which a clot is formed in veins which could travel upwards to heart and thereafter go to lungs and cause pulmonary thromboembolism.
You need to get a Doppler test of legs to rule the presence of the clot out. You also should get a kidney function test to see the efficiency of your kidneys as inefficient kidney function can also cause fluid accumulation around your ankles. To get rid of the symptoms you should keep the feet above the level of your body and also walk during your flights in future. Pl do not massage your legs as the clot may get dislodged in case you have it. For pain you can have plain pain killers like Paracetamol.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Anoop Kumar, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
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]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....