Deep Vein Thrombosis

Travel and venous disorders

Have you even found it difficult to put your shoes back on at the end of a flight? This may be a bad sign, but you are not alone. One of the most common complaints that people have during long distance travel is swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the legs.

When travelling by air, rail, or road, people need to be seated for long intervals. During this time, the movement of the body is restricted and as a result, blood circulation in the legs gets affected. This causes us to experience certain symptoms, regardless of age, weight, or lifestyle.

Some of these symptoms are:

  • Leg pain while traveling
  • Swollen legs while traveling
  • Tenderness in the legs
  • Aching muscles and calves
  • Phlebitis (inflammation in the vein)

Ignoring these symptoms can result in complications such as deep veins thrombosis. The formation of a blood clot in the deep veins (DVT), especially right after flying for a prolonged period, is known as Economy Class Syndrome. This is because this condition is directly related to restricted movement for long periods of time during flying.

The following tips are easy ways to prevent heavy legs when travelling:

  • Move around every half an hour to stretch the aching muscles
  • Perform in-flight exercises like foot circles, heel/toe lift, knee curls, and ankle rolling
  • Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration
  • Avoid alcohol or caffeine as they make you feel drowsy and bloated
  • Avoid crossing your legs and shift your position every hour or so
  • Wear loose fitting clothes to promote healthy blood circulation
  • Use foot rests or luggage as a medium to elevate the legs
  • Massage your feet and legs to relax flexed nerves and muscles
  • Avoid sleeping for a long time at a stretch
  • Use compression stockings to prevent blood from pooling in the legs (In some cases, doctors even prescribe class 2 medical compression stockings for flights longer than 3 hours. consult your doctor)

Wearing compression socks during travel squeezes the calves and the muscles, thereby improving blood circulation. The pressure on the vein valves prevents the pooling of blood in the feet and helps pump the blood back towards the heart, thus preventing the occurrence of swollen legs and ankles, painful calves, warm skin, red patches on the legs, and the formation of blood clots. Using compression therapy is a proven method to get rid of tired, achy, heavy legs.

In case you have any questions, consult an expert who can help you clear your doubts or locate the nearest doctor and get educated on how to take care of your legs during travel.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

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Yes, your risk of developing an ulcer is elevated. The vessels’ functioning is so disturbed that there is stasis. Then edema appears and your skin aspect changes – at first a color change, then it itches and eczema appears. As time passes, your skin hardens. A small wound or an inflammation due to a mosquito bite are enough to cause deterioration to your skin. An ulcer forms. These changes appear gradually and can in most cases be resolved with treatment.

No, as the risk factors like genetic predisposition and higher age cannot be treated. But you can prevent symptoms and also signs of chronic venous insufficiency if you have varicose veins. Keep moving! Use the staircase rather than the elevator. Practice a sport that stimulates your venous system like cycling, swimming, or walking. Raise your legs and move as often as possible. It is also recommended to shower your legs with cold water and to wear compression socks or stockings.