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Swollen legs
After many hours sitting on an overseas flight you may find that your shoes have shrunk. They didn’t, of course – you have swollen legs. This is because when you walk, the muscles in your legs repeatedly pressure the blood vessels, thereby pumping some of the blood up towards the heart. Without the muscle movements, as during prolonged sitting or standing, fluid (interstitial fluid or tissue fluid) will exit the blood vessels and pool in your legs, making them swell.
Although not quite as severely, the same problem can arise in your hands. Heat worsens the situation. Blood vessels widen when exposed to high temperatures and more fluid remains in your extremities.
Immobility and heat are two major causes for the swelling, or fluid retention (leg edema, oedema). Others include the use of certain medication, diet, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and a hereditary condition called lipedema. The swelling can also indicate a more serious problem, because blocked blood vessels and lymphatic channels, infections and tumours affect the blood flow and cause fluid retention. Exercising the muscles and cooling the affected area are the easiest ways to treat the condition.
edema (American), oedema British)
formerly known as dropsy or hydropsy
Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis: Keep the Blood Flowing
No matter what the mode of transportation, sitting motionless for long periods may put some travelers at an increased risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a vein deep within the muscles, usually in the calf or thigh. But people can reduce their risk of getting DVT, says the American Heart Association (AHA), by taking some simple precautions on long trips.
In adults, "hub-
Another way to help move blood to the heart is to wear compression stockings, which put gentle pressure on the leg muscles. Studies in healthy people have shown that wearing compression stockings minimizes the risk of developing DVT after long flights, according to the AHA. These stockings are available at medical supply stores.
Source: FDA Office of Public Affairs
