Is Traveling By Flight Safe While Having Swelling And Bruising In The Feet And Calves Due To Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Posted on Wed, 28 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 Answered on

Wed, 17 May 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter who is out of the country in Central XXXXXXX and who has ehkers danlos, is experiencing severe swelling in calves with many bruises on feet and calves. Is it safe for her to fly home in this condition, it’s a 6 hr flight. Please help,
Thank you, XXXX

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Blood tests and Color Doppler studies to get an early diagnosis.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome has only symptomatic and supportive management.

Swelling of both calves and bruises on feet and calves indicate that there may be problems related to the venous system or calves muscles.

If possible, ask her to see ER at her present place so that hematological (blood) tests can be done and Color Doppler of both lower limbs to know the exact diagnosis so that appropriate early management can be started before she flies home.

6 hours is not a long flight but it is better than the proper diagnosis and management be started asap as these may be golden hours if the symptoms have started very recently.

I hope this answers your query.

Take care.

Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar