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And do compression stockings and in-flight warm-ups help avoid this?
This has happened to many: you get on a plane in your usual form, and after a 4-6 hour flight you come out so that your family and friends don't recognize you - all swollen. If it were only about beauty - half the trouble. But swelling can bring physical discomfort and affect health. We understand what happens in the body during flights, why it is the legs that most often suffer, and we share life hacks on how to protect yourself from these problems, informs Ukr.Media.
Why does swelling occur after a flight and is it dangerous?
Edema is the swelling of soft tissues, which occurs due to the fact that the amount of fluid in them increases.
Increased atmospheric pressure and low humidity cause the blood to thicken. This makes it difficult for blood to flow through the veins. In addition, edema occurs due to prolonged sitting in one position and low mobility.
So the reason for all this is not only the peculiarities of the conditions on the plane, but also the uncomfortable position of the passenger. Therefore, edema can also appear after a long trip by train, bus or car.
Why do feet often swell on airplanes?
It's all about the position that people spend most of their time in on an airplane. When a person sits still for a long time with their feet on the floor, blood circulation in the extremities is disrupted and blood begins to accumulate in the legs.
In everyday life, with normal motor activity, the muscles of the lower extremities take on the function of a pump: they promote the movement of blood through the veins in the right direction - from the bottom up. In the absence of movement in the muscles, the blood stagnates, and swelling of the legs signals this.
Is it possible to prevent edema on an airplane?
Swelling can be avoided if you dress comfortably for the trip, remember to move during the flight, and watch your diet.
- Drink more water to avoid dehydration. If you think that drinking a lot of water causes swelling, you are wrong. On the contrary, when you drink fluids, your blood will be less thick and will not stagnate. So do not hesitate to ask the flight attendants to bring you a glass of still water.
- Try to stretch your legs periodically. The space under the seat in front of you may be enough for this. If your flight is long, try to get up and walk around the plane about every hour.
- If you travel a lot, consider purchasing compression socks or stockings. These help stimulate blood flow to your legs, reducing swelling.
- Choose comfortable clothes and shoes. Wear shoes that are easy to take off, or better yet, bring slippers.
- You should not consume food and drinks containing caffeine, alcohol and salt on the plane. And on the day of the flight, limit carbohydrates (candy, cookies, rolls). It is better to snack on meat, eggs, vegetables. You can take apples with you on the road if you want something tasty.
- You should not take diuretic pills before traveling to reduce swelling, unless your doctor has prescribed them.
How to get rid of swelling after a flight?
Sometimes swelling is unavoidable: you couldn't reserve an aisle seat, you didn't warm up because you slept the whole flight, you ate all the food because you were hungry (we understand and don't judge). Here are some tips that can help you get in shape.
I carry a myofascial release (MFR) ball with me everywhere: I place it under my lower back during the flight, and then roll it all over my body afterwards. I also try to do a little warm-up without a mat when I get to my destination.
To reduce swelling in your legs, you should start by taking a contrast shower. It will improve blood circulation and blood flow from your lower extremities. Then, you can make a warm foot bath with sea salt for 15-30 minutes. When you lie down to rest, raise your legs above the level of your heart — this will help blood flow better.
A gouache massage (done with a special scraper) in the morning after a long flight helps to remove swelling from the face.
Are edemas dangerous?
It’s normal to feel swollen during a long trip. In a healthy person, swelling goes away in a few hours or even a couple of days. But if it persists for more than two days, you should pay attention to it and consult a doctor. It may be a sign of deep vein thrombosis.
Deep vein thrombosis is characterized by significant pain and tenderness, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and swelling in just one leg, for example. If you notice any of these symptoms after a flight, see your doctor immediately. People at risk include:
- people with chronic illness;
- people over 60 years old;
- those who have recently undergone surgery;
- pregnant women;
- women taking combined oral contraceptives (COCs).
