Healthy Legs During Long Distance Travel

Travel associated conditions

These days, as more people travel long distances by air and car, the rate of travel-related vein conditions is increasing. That’s because during travel, blood circulation within the legs is reduced while your movement is constrained. Lack of movement can cause many common symptoms such as heavy legs, leg pain, or swollen feet and ankles. Prolonged sitting is also a major risk factor for the development of phlebitis and thrombosis (blood clot formation). In some cases, blood clots can migrate to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism which may be lethal.

see Venous Disorders

The discomfort and risk of deep venous thrombosis [DVT] applies to any type of long distance travel that involves long periods of sitting, such as plane, car, train or bus. The risk of DVT is four times higher when a person remains seated, without moving, for more than 5 hours.

One way to reduce the discomfort of long distance travel is by wearing compression stockings, as it prevents many symptoms like swelling, and may reduce the risk of developing a more serious condition such as phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism.

SIGVARIS medical compression stockings have been proven to prevent symptoms of venous disease including heavy, tired and achy legs, as well as swollen feet and ankles.

SIGVARIS Travelers Tips:

Wear comfortable clothing
Move your feet and ankles every 15 minutes: 10 flexes and 10 circles
Take a short walk every two hours
Elevate your feet when possible
Wear SIGVARIS compression socks and hosiery –
it's the easiest way to prevent swelling and
other symptoms

Note: If you have an existing venous condition or are at risk, see your doctor before long distance travel. He/she will assess the need to prescribe medical compression stockings and/or anticoagulant medication.

Are you traveling soon? SIGVARIS offers an educational brochure that explains
the benefits of Support Therapy during travel.

Click here for the English Version

Click here for the Spanish Version

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