If your flight is more than 2 hours, wear stockings. But if you are worried about blood clots, see a doctor for an ultrasound to rule out deep vein thrombosis, which can cause pain and/or swelling.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, I would recommend you get compression stockings. However, if you think you have a blood clot, be sure to get evaluated by a doctor.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You do not say where in your leg the pain is. Is it in your posterior (the back of) your calf? Is there any inflammation? Any tenderness? Can you feel any sort of lump? Is the painful area warm to the touch? Based on the very limited information you have provided, I don't think you'd be amiss to go to the nearest emergency department and have them rule out the possibility of a DVT (deep vein thrombosis). If it is indeed a DVT, you should not be flying and, per the physician's instructions, started on anticoagulation therapy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You need an urgent ultrasound exam to rule out a blood clot.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You should have an ultrasound to rule out deep vein thrombosis. If it is not present, then you can speak with the doctor about getting compression stockings for the flight home.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, but you also may want an ultrasound to make sure you have not developed a clot.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You should be seen in an ER for an ultrasound examination to rule out blood clots. It is the only way to rule out this probability. I feel everyone who flies should wear low-grade compression, drink lots of water and exercise the leg muscles and walk when possible.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, compression stockings are recommended for long flights. You may also want to get up every half an hour to move around and allow blood to flow more freely.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Depending on the length of your flight and your symptoms, you should have your leg checked by venous duplex ultrasound with graded compression before taking your next flight. You could have a blood clot (deep venous thrombosis or DVT) in your leg that is resulting in leg pain. Sometimes symptoms arising from leg blood clots can be very subtle, but the consequences of not detecting them can be very severe. If you are not in your hometown, you can always go to a nearby emergency room for an evaluation and treatment, if needed. Once you are cleared of having a DVT, wearing a compression hose can be very helpful in reducing leg swelling during a long flight. But make sure that the hose is medical grade and is fitted to your legs. I hope this helps.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It would be wise to get a duplex ultrasound test first to make sure there is no blood clot after your flight, especially if you also have ankle swelling.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You should first make sure that the pain in your leg is not due to a clot. See a vein specialist for an evaluation and have a venous ultrasound. If the ultrasound is normal, then you should wear compression stockings on the flight back. Also, take a baby aspirin and stay well hydrated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012