Why should you wear compression garments during travel?
Long distance travel, whether by automobile, train, or airline can be associated with leg discomforts and risks. Lack of leg movement gives way to swelling of the feet and legs. The swelling contributes to leg fatigue, discomfort and the sensation of leg heaviness.
Activity restriction in the confined seated position results in diminished flow of venous blood from the legs back to the heart. This combined with pre-existing risk factors may lead to a more serious danger - travel-related thrombus. You may have heard this reported in the media as economy class syndrome (ECS). A travel-related thrombus is a venous thrombosis (blood clot in a vein) associated with greater than 5 hours of travel in a seated position. The venous thrombosis may be limited to a deep vein (DVT) or a fragment could flow to the lungs and lodge causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).
The likelihood of a thrombus occurring can be reduced with appropriate preventive measures suited to an individual’s risk. Risk factors for long-distance travel related venous thrombosis include: age >40, malignancy, heart failure, severe varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), obesity, hormonal medication, previous DVT, family history of DVT, and recent surgery.
Consult with your physician to determine your risk category and seek advice on appropriate prophylactic measures, including the amount of compression to wear.
Recommendations for any extended travel:
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, especially water
- Perform ankle movements often
- Stretch and exercise your legs at least once every hour
- Elevate legs when possible
- Avoid high-heeled footwear and restrictive clothing
- Wear gradient compression hosiery
- Seek medical advice if you have or are concerned about any risk factors
