Long journey (more than four hours) travellers by plane, train, etc, are prone
to DVT. This is probably due to prolonged periods of sitting immobility. Other than
immobility, factors which might contribute to this ailment after a plane journey
include: reduced cabin pressure, reduced oxygen level, dehydration due to less consumption
of water and high consumption of alcoholic drinks.
Useful tips for long-journey travellers:
- Exercise your calf and foot muscles regularly:
- Press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or foot-rest every so often.
This helps to increase the blood flow in your legs. - Take a walk up and down the aisle every hour or so, when the aircraft crew say it
is safe to do so. - If you are allowed, get off the plane and walk about if the plane stops for refueling.
- Consider buying a leg exerciser for the journey.
- Drink plenty of water (to avoid dehydration).
- Do not drink too much alcohol. (Alcohol can cause dehydration and immobility.)
- Do not take sleeping tablets, which cause immobility.
- Consider wearing compression stockings.
- Some people at high risk may also be advised to take anticoagulant medication.
Medical tip
- Basic therapy under this medical condition is medical compression stockings like
mediven travel
