Economy Class Syndrome - Travel Socks and Leg Health

Economy Class Syndrome - Travel Socks and Leg Health

Travel Can Be Tough on Your Legs

Whether you travel my plane, train, automobile, or bus, any trip that lasts more than a few hours could leave your legs swollen and achy. And if you travel for a long period of time (5 hours or more), the problem can become more serious.

So why is travel so hard on legs?
When you travel, you're essentially confined to your seat. Sitting in tight, cramped quarters for long periods of time does not allow you to stretch or exercise your leg muscles - the muscles that are responsible for assisting the venous blood flow back to your heart. As the hours of inactivity add up, your circulation slows down.

You may notice swelling, discomfort, or even pain in your legs, ankles, and feet. The longer you ride without exercising or stretching, the worse you may feel.

But swollen and achy legs are just one part of the problem. Travelers need to be aware of, and take measures against, a more serious condition called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).