Dear GB,

What you describe sounds more like a deep vein thrombosis – the clot in the calf which has been so much publicised of late. You should see your doctor as soon as possible to have this investigated, because if there is a clot, you may be at risk of an embolus and will need preventative treatment. When a clot forms due to prolonged inactivity (eg a long flight), there may be no symptoms at all, until a piece of the clot breaks off and lodges in the lung. If this piece is a large piece, it could be very serious indeed, even fatal. If the patient does have symptoms, they are usually pain and swelling of the calf, and in particular, pain when the foot is dorsiflexed. (That is, when your foot is lifted upwards, as if your were trying to balance on your heels only).

Please see your doctor as soon as you can, and make it quite clear that you fear a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) resulting from your flight. If there is the slightest doubt, then ask him to refer you to a vascular surgeon for an opinion.

Good luck.

HeartDoc