Summer is here, and for many of us, that means vacation. Whether you’re flying or taking a road trip, you need to take steps to ensure your legs won’t suffer. Use the tips below to make travel as comfortable as possible. People who travel a lot can develop deep vein thrombosis or DVT, heavy legs, swollen feet and ankles and other leg pains. Long flights and leg pain seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. The travel experience can be equally bad or worse when traveling by train, bus or car. Here’s how to prevent pain, aches and soreness.
Wear Compression Socks
Compression socks can help prevent and reduce swelling associated with traveling and keep your legs feeling better so you can enjoy your trip. The stockings should be put on before you leave and left on until you’ve arrived at your destination. If you plan on sleeping sitting up in a car or airplane, keep your stockings on. They will provide gentle pressure and prevent fluid and blood from settling in the ankles and lower legs.
Don’t Cross Your Legs
Crossing your legs constricts the flow of blood throughout the body. You will become more restless and have heavy legs when legs are crossed.
Drink Lots of Water
Hydrate yourself with water — not coffee or soda. When you are dehydrated, your legs are more likely to get cramps. Drinking plenty of water will require you to frequent to the restroom more, forcing you to walk (if you’re on a plane or train). If you’re traveling by plane, remember this: In an aircraft cabin, humidity decreases to 20 percent. Our bodies are usually comfortable when the air humidity is between 40 to 70 percent. Drinking water can help us maintain comfort in this instance.
Move Every Two Hours
If you find yourself cramped in your seat, walk the aisles of the plane when the seat belt sign is off. This promotes blood circulation in the legs and feet. If your assigned seat does not have much legroom, walk (or at least stand up and go to the restroom) every opportunity you get. If you can’t move around or stand up every two hours, stretch your legs and feet a bit by moving them every half an hour.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Tight clothing can restrict blood flow and prevent the return of venous blood from the lower legs back to the heart. Wearing comfortable clothing while traveling ensures adequate blood flow through your leg veins and makes it easier to move around (see the last tip).
Get an Aisle Seat
By now, you know you need to move around if you’re traveling by plane for more than a few hours. To be able to move around more, you’ll want to book an aisle seat. Whenever you need to stand up, move around or stretch your legs, you won’t disturb others.
You don’t need to shy away from traveling great distances this summer. Implement these easy tips, and you’ll arrive at your final destination well-rested, comfortable and happy.
Am I a Candidate?
Determine if you are at risk for developing or already have symptoms for venous disease.