Travel In Comfort Whilst Protecting Your Health

Travel can be tough on your legs

Any trip that lasts more than a few hours could leave your legs swollen and achy. And if you travel for a long period of time (5 hours or more), the problem can become more serious.

Why is travel so hard on legs?

Sitting in tight, cramped quarters for long periods of time does not allow you to stretch or exercise your leg muscles — the muscles that are responsible for assisting the blood flow back to your heart. As the hours of inactivity add up, your circulation slows down. 

You may notice swelling, discomfort, or even pain in your legs, ankles, or feet. The longer you travel without exercising or stretching, the worse you may feel. Travellers need to be aware of, and take measures against, a more serious condition called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

What is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

This condition involves the formation of blood clots (thrombi) in the deep veins of the leg.

A DVT forms when blood pools in the legs, and coagulates due to prolonged inactivity. Blood clots are dangerous because they can break off after the trip or even several days later and move with the flow of blood through the heart into the lungs, where they can block major blood vessels and cause a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.

The first signs of impaired blood circulation that may become apparent during the trip are:

• Swelling
• Shooting pain in the legs

These warning signs are not always present before the thrombosis occurs. It can develop unnoticed and, in rare cases, even apparently healthy people may suffer a DVT.

Who’s at risk?

There is growing evidence that everyone who takes a trip of 5 hours or more can suffer from these effects. 

Even people with no history of venous leg health problems or previous incidences of leg swelling or discomfort can develop a DVT during travel.

High risk groups

The risk for developing a DVT becomes even greater if you fall into one or more of the categories listed below.

Please consult a physician before traveling if you are:

• 40 years or older

• Pregnant

• Obese

• Taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy

Or if you have or had:

• Recent surgery or injury to lower limbs/abdomen

• Heart disease

• Previous history of venous thrombosis (blood clots) and/or pulmonary embolism

• Varicose veins

• Cancer

• Genetic blood-clotting abnormalities (e.g., factor V Leiden)

What can you do to protect your health during travel?

1. Walk the aisles every hour.

The movement of the muscles stimulates blood circulation and assists the activity of the veins.

2. Exercise your legs.

When you are seated, stretch and contract calf muscles by periodically flexing your feet.

3. Don’t sit for long periods with your legs crossed. Crossing your legs constricts the veins and hinders the return-flow of the blood.

4. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages. This compensates for fluid loss caused by the low air pressure in an airplanes cabin.

5. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Alcohol relaxes muscles even further and causes blood vessels to dilate, potentially causing more pooling.

6. Wear comfortable clothes. Tight clothing and high-heeled shoes restrict your freedom of movement even further and adversely affect your blood circulation.

7. Wear JOBST^® Travel Socks. Whether your trip is long or short, JOBST^® Travel Socks will make the entire journey more comfortable. 

Have a good trip!

For more advice, speak to your Chemsave Pharmacist or Pharmacy Assistant.

This content was provided by BSN medical Australia.

Posted in: Health hub