5 Treatable Causes of Chest Pain
Chest pain can be alarming, but the good news is, it’s not always dangerous, it’s almost always treatable. Here, learn about five causes of chest pain that can be relieved with proper medical care.
How to Prevent Leg Swelling During a Flight
Roughly 3 million people fly on planes every day in the United States, making air travel one of the most popular modes of transportation, particularly when visiting places far away. While flying is certainly convenient, sitting in a cramped seat can be very tiring, especially for your legs.
Sitting for long periods increases your risk of leg swelling or edema. While some mild, temporary swelling is usually nothing to worry about, edema can be a sign of a more serious underlying problem involving your blood vessels or your heart.
At TLC Medical Group Inc., Anthony B. Lewis, MD, FACC, and his team offer custom treatments explicitly designed to help treat and prevent leg swelling so you can reduce your risks of edema and its complications. Dr. Lewis and his team provide some simple things you can do to prevent leg swelling during your next long-distance flight.
Drink plenty of water
Airplane air is arid, which means it’s easy to become dehydrated. Interestingly, dehydration causes your body to retain more water, contributing to leg swelling.
You can combat dehydration by carrying a water bottle and sipping from it throughout your flight. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol decreases dehydration, too, so skip that in-flight cocktail.
Avoid salty snacks
Eating salty foods causes your body to retain more fluids, too. Before and during your flight, it's a good idea to avoid salty snacks and foods like chips, crackers, and processed foods. Instead, pack your own snacks and include fresh fruit, vegetables, and unsalted nuts.
Skip the tight clothing
Tight jeans, shorts, tights, and even belts restrict blood flow and increase the risk of swelling in your legs and feet. Instead, choose loose clothing and elastic waistbands to facilitate normal circulation.
Wear compression socks
The one exception to the tight-clothing rule: compression socks. These socks are designed to be tight, providing mild compression to the veins in your feet and lower legs to enhance circulation. While these socks are available in various compression values, choose a mild pressure rating for the best results.
Get up and move
Moving around is one of the best things you can do to improve circulation in your legs and feet, and it’s good for your heart. It’s not always easy to move around on a plane, but if possible, try to stand up and walk up and down the aisle every 1-2 hours. If moving around is difficult or your seatbelt light stays lit, try in-seat movements, like making circles with your ankles, pointing your toes, and flexing your calf muscles periodically.
Choose the right seat
Moving around during your flight isn’t always easy, especially if you have a window seat. Choosing an aisle seat makes it easier to get up and move without disturbing your seatmates. It also allows you to stretch your legs into the aisle space temporarily. You can also look for seats with extra legroom, including seats in exit rows or rows near the front of the plane.
Schedule a doctor's visit before flying
If you have a history of circulation issues or you’ve had swelling during or after previous flights, it’s a good idea to schedule an office visit before flying so Dr. Lewis and his team can recommend precautionary steps when needed. You should also schedule a visit if you have swelling in only one leg or swelling that persists for more than a day after your flight.
Leg swelling isn’t always serious, but it can be a sign of a circulation problem, a blood clot, or a problem with your heart. To learn more about leg swelling and what you can do to protect your cardiovascular health, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Lewis and the team at TLC Medical Group in Port St. Lucie, Florida, today.
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