Flying, especially long-haul flights, can sometimes cause leg swelling. Discovering swollen legs or a leg lump after flying can be alarming. Even if you were perfectly fine during the flight.
Your swelling is usually caused by oedema (a build up of fluid) related to sitting for a long time but may be caused by a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins, most often in the legs. It can develop when you sit for long periods, which can slow blood from circulating and increase the risk of clotting. This means a DVT can also form after any long-distance travel but is mostly linked to flying, because of the length of flights.
Symptoms of DVT may include:
- Swelling in one leg
- Pain or tenderness in the calf or thigh
- A warm sensation in the affected area
- Red or discoloured skin.
How to avoid a DVT and what to do if you have a DVT.
Wearing compression stockings or socks can to help prevent DVT. We recommend medical-grade compression socks for their graduated compression. These help promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. It’s important to get the right fit for your compression stockings/socks. We offer stocking fittings, please contact us for an appointment with one of our specialist nurses.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during and after your flight is also key to maintaining good circulation and helping to prevent dehydration. Limit alcohol consumption because this can dehydrate you.
Regularly walking about the cabin to keep your legs moving will help, too. If possible, try to elevate your legs to encourage blood circulation. Do simple exercises, such as flexing and extending your feet, stretching your calves when standing and doing other leg exercises.
Avoiding tight clothing will also help to avoid restricting blood flow during the flight. It will also be more comfortable.
If you are worried about leg swelling after flying, get in touch. You can send us a photo of your leg to speed things up. Or complete our consultation form.
Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) may cause a leg lump after flying
A possible cause for a painful leg lump after flying is superficial venous thrombosis (SVT), which involves inflammation and clotting in a superficial vein. This is much closer to the surface of the skin than for a DVT. It can cause discomfort and you should seek medical advice from a vascular surgeon or your general practitioner (GP) for a diagnosis of the lump on your leg.
Signs of SVT include:
- Red, tender and warm area along the vein
- A palpable, cord-like vein
- Mild swelling around the area.
Muscle injury or strain could be the cause of a leg lump after flying
Sometimes, a tender leg lump may simply be because you have strained or injured a muscle. Think back to what you did before your flight. Did you do a new form of exercise, did you run for the plane while carrying luggage, is your luggage heavy? In such cases, the lump is typically less worrisome and may resolve with rest and proper care.
When to see a doctor
We recommend you seek advice from a vascular surgeon or your GP for diagnosis of the cause of any painful lumps on your leg. DVT can be a life-threatening condition if the clot breaks away and travels causing blockages to your lung. Of course, the lump may not be related to your recent flight and may be a skin condition that needs to be investigated.
Other symptoms to be concerned about:
- Severe pain or swelling
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain (which could indicate the blood clot has travelled)
- Red or discoloured skin over the lump
- Pain that is getting worse even after rest
- Fever or chills
- Dry, itchy or red skin over and around the lump
- The lump is getting bigger.
