Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Swollen ankle after flight

September 10, 2012 | 15,00 EUR | answered by med. pract. Arzt Online

Good day,

After a 10-hour flight yesterday evening, I noticed that my left foot + ankle are swollen. I know that it can happen for legs to swell a bit during longer flights, but it's strange to me that it's only in one leg.

I haven't had any pain so far, except when I press on the ankle, but it's a very mild pain. The leg feels slightly heavy, but again, very weak.

The swelling is not extremely large, you can simply see the difference. The foot is not blue, but the swelling is slightly red.

What should I do next?

(I am 22 years old and male)

med. pract. Arzt Online

Dear inquirer,

There is a suspicion of an acute deep vein thrombosis in the leg.

This is typical after flights and more common in older people, but can also occur less frequently in younger patients.

A definitive diagnosis should be made promptly to avoid damage.

Please consult your primary care physician, internist, or local emergency room immediately.

Get well soon.

With warm regards,