<human>: I was recently traveling and my feet and ankles swelled up and my lower legs (shins and a little on my calves) turned a red splotchy color? I know your feet and ankles can swell with traveling, walking, and standing a lot but why would my legs and legs only turn red?
<bot>: Swelling is often in the lower area of the body like legs and ankle during hanging position because of gravity. Other reasons why sweeping and red spots appear could be any peripheral disorder like DVT, sometimes when BP raises high you suffer from edema and itchiness because of which red spots appear. So in such case let me recommend you to please take some precautions and if it appears again then immediately contact some doctor to rule out the exact reason by various investigation procedures:1. Try to elevate your legs whenever you are lying down, to a position above your heart.2. Immediately do some ice massage over the area.3. Perform some calf exercises so that blood circulation is maintained.4. Wear stockings during your travel.5. Wear loose fitting clothing.6. Do not sit in one position for long. Try to change position frequently.7. Avoid a position in which you have to hang your legs.8. In office place small still under your foot while sitting and change the positions so that your leg does not come directly in against gravity position as there are chances of increase in sweeping. Please follow the above instructions/treatment. If still there is no relief then as an advice please visit some nearby doctor for investigation as there may be chances of DVT or any thrombotic problem. Good Luck and Get Well Soon