Doctors: Summer travel can increase people's risk of blood clots
To prevent a clot, doctors say people should take breaks every couple of hours to stretch their legs and wear compression socks to reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Doing calf exercises such as toe and heel lifts can also help.
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As we head into the summer travel season, doctors say there are several ways to avoid blood clots.
People at risk for blot clots include those who have recently had surgery, are overweight or are pregnant.
For that group, a long flight or road trip that is four to five hours long with little leg room can increase the chances of a clot forming, breaking off or blocking the blood flow.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says if a clot develops, people will feel swelling, pain and tenderness in their leg, which will be red and warm to the touch.
To prevent a clot, doctors say people should take breaks every couple of hours to stretch their legs and wear compression socks to reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Doing calf exercises such as toe and heel lifts can also help.
If untreated, a deep-vein clot can travel through the bloodstream and obstruct blood flow to the lungs and heart.
