5 Reasons Why Legs Swell On Flights

Flying long distance can be a very uncomfortable experience, which makes it daunting for some people to hop on a plane to see the world! A common problem is leg swelling, no matter what age you are, blood circulation is a problem on long flights. Find out why.

FIVE REASONS WHY LEGS SWELL ON FLIGHTS

The following cause poor blood circulation, which then cause legs to swell:

1. Cabin pressure.

2. Lack of leg space or walking space limits your mobility for long periods of time. This causes blood to pool around the ankles and not flow back properly to the heart.

3. Medication.

4. Being overweight.

5. Pregnancy.

HOW COMPRESSION SOCKS HELP

Compression socks and stockings are tightest at the ankle and gradually get looser as they go up the leg. This is to put pressure around the ankles to aid circulation of the blood that pools around the ankles. The compression also constricts the veins, reducing the diameter to push blood back up to the heart. This is especially useful for people with weak veins or who are pregnant.