DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS (DVT)
Copyright 2010 - Gordon Physiotherapy Sports and Spinal
A Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is caused by a blockage of one of the deep veins by a thrombus which is a 'plug' of red cells and protein.
Commonly, DVTs occur in the calf or thigh area. When you are stationary for a long time without contracting the muscles in your legs, blood flow slows in the veins and can form a DVT. Normally, blood from the foot is pumped back to the heart by the action of the calf muscles. A DVT that dislodges can cause a heart attack, stroke or pulmonary arrest.
TO HELP PREVENT DVT WHEN FLYING:
• avoid crossing your legs
• obtain a seat with the most leg room possible
• regularly do foot and ankle exercises, every hour is a good routine
• wear loose clothes around the groin and leg area
• use compression stockings which mimic the calf muscle action
• drink plenty of fluids, avoid cigarettes and alcohol that increase
dehydration
• move about - in the cabin whenever possible and especially during
stopovers
Commonly, DVTs occur in the calf or thigh area. When you are stationary for a long time without contracting the muscles in your legs, blood flow slows in the veins and can form a DVT. Normally, blood from the foot is pumped back to the heart by the action of the calf muscles. A DVT that dislodges can cause a heart attack, stroke or pulmonary arrest.
TO HELP PREVENT DVT WHEN FLYING:
• avoid crossing your legs
• obtain a seat with the most leg room possible
• regularly do foot and ankle exercises, every hour is a good routine
• wear loose clothes around the groin and leg area
• use compression stockings which mimic the calf muscle action
• drink plenty of fluids, avoid cigarettes and alcohol that increase
dehydration
• move about - in the cabin whenever possible and especially during
stopovers
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PRODUCTS WE STOCK
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• Venosan compression stockings - these are made with the recommended compression rates for DVT prevention
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EXERCISES TO DO WHEN FLYING
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• move ankles in circles, or imagine
writing the alphabet with your toes
• keep heels on the floor and raise
toes, then put toes down and raise
heels
• in sitting, gently march your legs
up and down
• clench your buttocks and relax
writing the alphabet with your toes
• keep heels on the floor and raise
toes, then put toes down and raise
heels
• in sitting, gently march your legs
up and down
• clench your buttocks and relax
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OTHER ADVICE
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FACTORS WHICH INCREASE THE RISK OF DVT:
• lack of movement combined with
long periods of inactivity e.g
tightly packed aeroplane
seating in the economy class
• dehydration
• obesity
• smoking
• varicose veins
• lack of movement combined with
long periods of inactivity e.g
tightly packed aeroplane
seating in the economy class
• dehydration
• obesity
• smoking
• varicose veins
