Leg Swelling After a Long Car Ride? Key Signs to Know
A reader wrote in with a concern after a long car ride. They noticed one of their legs had swollen, and they wanted to know what might be causing it.
The first thing to know is that a long car ride can cause leg swelling because sitting still for hours makes it harder for blood and fluid to move through the legs.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, this swelling is called edema, and it can happen after sitting for hours in a car, at a desk, or on a plane. Fluid can build up in the feet and legs, especially when someone has been in the same position for a long time.
The second thing to know is that the swelling may be mild, but it can sometimes point to something more serious.
Sitting slows things down
StrideCare states that when you sit in a cramped space with your legs bent, circulation slows. Blood and lymphatic fluid can pool in the lower legs and feet instead of moving back toward the heart. That can leave one leg or foot looking larger than usual.
A common example is someone who sits for eight or 10 hours during a road trip, gets out of the car, and notices swelling around the ankle or calf. If both legs are a little puffy and the swelling improves after walking, raising the legs, or moving around, it may be related to fluid pooling.
However, when this happens to one leg, the scenario may be different.
One swollen leg
The University of Utah Health states that one swollen leg after a long car ride can raise concern for deep vein thrombosis, also called DVT. That is a blood clot in a deep vein, often in the leg.
The concern is that a clot can break off and travel to the lungs, where it can cause a pulmonary embolism. This is a scenario you do not want to ignore.
The Cleveland Clinic adds that signs of DVT can include swelling in one leg, pain or tenderness, red or warm skin, and enlarged veins near the surface. It also says people should seek treatment right away if they have signs of DVT, because of the risk of pulmonary embolism.
Symptoms that can help explain the problem
MyHealth Alberta states that edema can happen after long car rides or plane flights, but it can also be linked to vein problems, heart failure, infection, blood clots, liver disease, or kidney disease.
Other symptoms that can help a doctor figure out what might be going on can include calf pain, pain behind the knee, thigh or groin pain, redness, warmth, worsening swelling, or new pain in the leg.
Additionally, swelling with fever, red streaks, pus, warmth, or increased pain may point toward infection instead.
In either situation, these symptoms need medical attention.
When to see a doctor
The University of Utah Health says a swollen leg after eight to 10 hours of travel, especially with calf pain, warrants an emergency department visit because of the risk of a clot.
Call 911 if leg swelling comes with sudden chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood. MyHealth Alberta lists these as possible symptoms of a pulmonary embolism.
For milder swelling, try walking, moving your ankles, taking breaks during long drives, limiting salt, staying hydrated, and raising your legs when resting. It is recommended to take breaks from sitting, walking to increase blood flow, moving the feet and ankles, and keeping swollen legs raised when resting.
A little puffiness after travel may fade. However, one swollen, painful, warm, or red leg should be checked immediately.
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