Swollen ankles after a flight are often dismissed as harmless – but should they be? The answer: not always. If your swelling is persistent, painful, or only in one leg, it could be a sign of a more serious condition like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or poor circulation. In cases like this, a leg vein ultrasound is the most effective way to assess what’s really going on below the surface.
A leg vein ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging scan that uses sound waves to assess blood flow in your leg veins. It’s commonly used to detect blood clots, valve issues, and other circulation problems that might be causing your legs or ankles to swell.
While some swelling after long flights or extended periods of sitting is normal, persistent or one-sided swelling can be a red flag. Conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or chronic venous insufficiency can lead to complications if left untreated – and often go unnoticed without a proper scan.
Swollen ankles after flying is a common concern, especially on long-haul trips. The lack of movement while seated for hours can slow down blood flow in the legs, increasing the risk of fluid retention and in more serious cases, blood clots. Some people also experience swollen feet and ankles after flying due to underlying vein issues they might not be aware of. Age, weight, pregnancy, certain medications, or a family history of clotting disorders can all raise your risk.
If you notice your ankles are swollen after a plane ride and the swelling doesn’t go down within a few hours, or is paired with pain, warmth, or redness, it’s time to seek medical advice – and potentially book a leg vein ultrasound.
If you’re experiencing:
… it could be more than just fluid retention. These are classic signs of poor circulation or possible deep vein thrombosis.
In fact, swollen lower legs, especially in one leg only, may require further investigation. A Doppler ultrasound of the legs can help detect blood flow issues early and often before symptoms escalate into more serious health concerns.
A leg vein ultrasound gives your doctor a clear picture of how well blood is flowing through the veins in your legs. It can:
For those wondering how to improve circulation in legs or experiencing recurring swollen ankles after flying, a scan is the first step in understanding the cause and getting effective treatment. You don’t need a hospital visit to access this. At Capri Ultrasound, we offer fast, high-quality leg vein ultrasounds right here on the Isle of Capri, Gold Coast, in a comfortable outpatient setting.
Not all leg swelling is dangerous but ignoring serious symptoms can be. If you’ve ever wondered why flying increases clotting risk, or what factors make DVT more likely, here’s a resource that breaks it down clearly: 🔗 Healthdirect – Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
We know many people search for bulk bill ultrasound options especially if symptoms seem minor. While ‘ultrasound bulk billing near me’ is a common Google search, it’s important to note that not all services are bulk billed automatically.
Luckily, at Capri Ultrasound, we offer bulk billed leg vein ultrasounds for all medicare eligible patients. Call us directly if you have any questions.
If you’re experiencing swollen ankles after flying, one-sided leg swelling, or ongoing concerns about poor circulation, don’t wait. A leg vein ultrasound is a simple, fast and effective way to get answers.
Capri Ultrasound is based on the Gold Coast, and offers expert vascular ultrasound services without long hospital queues. Our experienced sonographers use state-of-the-art equipment and prioritise your comfort and care.
👉 Book your appointment today or call us for more information. Early detection leads to better outcomes and peace of mind.
