The plane has finally landed and what seemed like an eternity in the sky has come to a long-awaited conclusion. As you begin deboarding, you notice that your ankles are a little thicker than usual. Your legs are swollen and you have no idea what caused this. Let’s look at two possible causes as to why your legs swell during plane rides.
1. You’ve Been Sitting for Too Long
If your plane ride was on the lengthier side and you spent most of it sitting down, then that’s most likely the cause of your swollen legs. Staying in one position for extended periods disrupts the circulation of fluids within the body. This causes the fluids to pool in the same general areas. As a result, the area gets swollen. Fluid is likely to pool in your legs because they’re usually in a dependent (down) position when sitting. Since you’re not actively moving during a plane ride, it’s very easy for the fluid to just stay at the bottom of your legs and cause swelling.
A great way to avoid this is by periodically taking walks around the cabin and doing some stretches. Once the captain says it’s safe to move around, unbuckle that seatbelt and take a nice walk to the back of the plane. Do a few leg stretches and walk back to your seat. Depending on how long your flight is, you may need to do this multiple times.
2. You’re at High Altitudes
During flights, you’re at a much higher altitude than you ever would be. When at really high altitudes, oxygen supplies diminish and this coupled with changes in pressure in your veins and arteries causes fluid to leak into the spaces around these blood vessels. This results in the accumulation of fluid in these spaces and in turn swelling.
You can’t avoid being at extremely high elevations while flying. However, you can minimize the swelling that results by limiting salty foods while in the air. Sodium causes water retention, so the more sodium you put into your body, the more water you’ll hold on to and the more swelling you’ll have to deal with. So the next time you fly, pass up on the pretzels and chips and opt for the healthier snack options your airline has to offer.
The Good News
There is good news when it comes to the swelling that results from flying, though! The swelling will subside. Once you’re back on level ground and you walk around a bit to get that body fluid circulating, you should see improvement. If you’re already a few days in on your vacation and your legs are still swollen, you may need to consult a healthcare provider. If you invest in good travel health insurance, you don’t need to wait until you get back home to get help. You can visit a clinic in the area you’re vacationing and figure out how to reduce the swelling and enjoy the rest of your trip in good health!
Make sure you are prepared for your next trip with vaccines and advice from Passport Health. Call 937-306-7541 or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Ese Agboh is a student nurse who wants to specialize in pediatric nursing and wound care. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing articles related to medicine and the pathophysiology of communicable diseases. Ese currently lives and studies on the east coast of the United States.
