Accepted Answer

I think you'll probably be just fine. Most likely, the strap didn't cause any clots of any sort in your leg, but instead just local damage and trauma due to the too tense compression of the strap (next time you try the strap, obviously, try it a little looser - not that I need to tell you this). The constriction could have caused pain within the knee and upper thigh for a day or two, that I would expect to resolve just fine on its own. A clot would, generally, produce substantial swelling and a great deal of pain and immobility in the limb, far more than you appear to describe.

As far as flying is concerned, and with your family history of blood clots, you know that long periods of immobility (like on a plane) can lead to increased potential of clot formation. This does not mean, however, that just because you have a family history of clotting that you will develop a clot while flying. Just that you might be at slightly higher risk.

When you fly, one of the best methods to reduce the potential of clots is to repeatedly, gently flex and extend your legs as much as possible. Even if you can't move your legs, flexing the muscle groups in your legs will help drain the blood in your leg veins (skeletal muscles are actually what moves the blood in many of our veins). Take walks up and down the ailes, as well, so long as the seat belt sign is off. And stay hydrated, drinking plenty of fluids. If you follow these steps, then your risk should be minimized.

If, in a few days, you still are having leg pain, then give your physician a call. I expect that you will already feel much better. And, as always while flying, if you develop increasing pain and swelling in a leg, then get to an emergency room to rule out any clots.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions - I'm more than happy to try and help.

Take care - Dr. Fay

Edited by jcfay on 9/27/2006 at 9:47 PM

Expert:	Jonathan Fay, M.D.
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	9/27/2006

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