Ever hear that you have to get up and walk around every hour or two when you are traveling?
Whether you are in a plane, train, or car – every once in a while, you have to get up and take a few steps.
Even if you can’t, it helps to wiggle your toes and flex your feet a few times.
But why?
Walking helps to keep your blood moving and reduces the chances of a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) also known as a blood clot.
Some people are more at risk for blood clots:
· Smokers
· Those with high blood pressure
· Those with high cholesterol
· Sedentary people
but DVTs can happen to anybody.
DVTs can dislodge and break loose and get lodged in the lungs causing a Pulmonary Embolism, which can be fatal.
Keeping the blood flowing significantly reduces the chances of getting a blood clot.
So, if you are driving, flying, or taking the train this Thanksgiving weekend, follow these tips to reduce your chances of a Deep Vein Thrombosis.
· Walk around every hour or two
· Flex your feet up and down
· Lift your heels a few times
· Stretch your calf muscles
· Wear clothing that is not too tight
If you have ever had a DVT before, you should visit your doctor and talk about preventative strategies, such as compression hose or stockings or taking blood thinning medications.
If you are a smoker, you should talk to your doctor about strategies for quitting.
If you suddenly have a pain in your foot or calf muscle or notice a swelling or discoloration (either red or blue) of your foot or ankle, this could be a DVT – a medical emergency – and you should go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have swelling of your foot or ankle, definitely, don’t ignore it. If might be nothing, or it just might save your life.
By Dr. Yavor Geshev, DPM, FACPM
