By Sally Young
Email yo-sal@cox.net
Summer kicks off a season of races in far away places for dedicated runners. While some soreness after the event is to be expected, it pays to be cautious when the return trip involves hours in a sitting position.
Deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot arising in the lower leg, is a rare but significant concern for traveling athletes. Being immobile for long periods can lead to venous stasis, a slowing of the blood flow. For most, this is not a problem. But certain people, unknown to them, have a genetic tendency to coagulate blood, or they may have injured the lining of a vein that can then form a clot.
Symptoms involve painful swelling of the affected leg, sometimes a palpable cord along a vein, and discoloration. Or it can be as subtle as increased warmth and pain only when weight bearing. In some cases, there is a lump or bruising behind the knee, which can be misdiagnosed as Baker's cyst. If the clot breaks loose, it will move to the lungs or another major organ and cause serious damage.
Consider taking a low dose of aspirin before heading back. Check your legs periodically for tender areas, and stay hydrated. Visit www.stoptheclot.org for more.
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