Helping Legs on the Move!

By Advice on Travel-related DVT- British Dept. of Health

As more people travel long distances by air and car, the problem of travel-related leg discomfort is on the rise...

That is because during travel, blood circulation within the legs is reduced while your movement is constrained. Lack of movement can cause many symptoms such as heavy, fatigued, tired legs, leg pain or swollen feet and ankles. Prolonged sitting is also a risk factor for the development of thrombosis (blood clot formation). In some cases, blood clots can travel to the lungs, resulting in pulmonary embolus.

The risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) applies to any type of long distance travel that involves periods of sitting, such as a plane, car, train or bus. According to a British study, "All forms of travel that involve a journey of 4 hours or more led to an increase in the risk of blood clots forming in the legs.

One effective way to increase leg and foot comfort during travel and increase circulation is the use of medical grade compression stockings. Standing every one hour, moving the calf muscle (pumping the foot up and down) and drinking plenty of fluid also help to prevent a blood clot from forming.