Travel induced OEDEMA

What cause is it?

Whether for business or holidays, we experience long-haul travel, some individuals without knowing experience the side effects on a daily basis. When considering your next travel there is more to prepare than why & where we are traveling. By preparation we are not referring to logistics, but rather how prepared we are physiologically and what the body may be subjected to during the journey.

When traveling next consider the following identified risks associated with all forms of travel:

• Duration of travel (anything over 1 hour)
• Increased frequency of long distance travel ( consider to & from work)
• Seated posture when sleeping
• Enforced immobility
• Restricted leg room.
• Increased dehydration.

Unique air travel risks also include:

• Travel reduced oxygen pressures at cabin altitudes
• Low cabin humidity
• Long duration flights (trans-oceanic)
• Reduced cabin pressures leading to abdominal bloating and compression of veins near the groin.

Travel induced Oedema may be blood pooling or a build-up of excess fluid in soft tissue. These fluids are gravity dependant and pool as a result of enforced immobility. If the fluid appears in the soft tissue under the skin it may lead to a puffy, shiny appearance. Most commonly, travel induced Oedema is seen in the ankles or legs. To move these fluids back to the heart we require contracting muscles to assist the valves of the veins. Gradient compression material is a special compression weave. With scientifically calculated sizing and pattern design makes for a firm fitting garment over the surface of these targeted muscles which improves fluid return to the heart.

Recommendations for those at risk of travel related oedema:

• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids.
• Recline the seat when practical, particularly when sleeping.
• Use seating with increased pitch and legroom
• Walk around the cabin regularly, hourly if possible.
• Flex the calf muscles frequently by pulling up the toes or pushing firmly on the floor.
• Purchase non economy class seating, particularly on long flights
• Wear a compression garment or stocking
• Consult with personal physician about minimizing risks

If you wear medical compression garment or stocking, remember Body Science (BSc) KompressorZ. For specific questions about oedema and your health, you should always consult your healthcare professional who is responsible for your care.

Travel induced DVT

What cause is it?

Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which one or multiple blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs. The medical fraternity has associated theses clots to long flights in cramped airplane seats. The media has dubiously dubbed DVT as "Economy Class Syndrome." DVT can be caused by any situation of immobility for long periods, including those during long-haul motor vehicle bus, and train rides.

The deep veins associated with DVT are located within the muscles of the legs, and are generally not visible on the surface as are superficial varicose veins. For specific questions about DVT and your health, you should always consult your healthcare professional who is responsible for your care.
The recommendations to reduce the risk of DVT associated with long haul travel are theoretic in nature, since limited scientific studies have been conducted to evaluate their effectiveness. The recommendations listed are derived from a variety of sources and we recommend that you discuss with your airline as they have their own recommendations and information for travelers.

Recommendations for those at known increased risk for DVT include:

• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids.
• Recline the seat when practical, particularly when sleeping.
• Use seating with increased pitch and legroom
• Walk around the cabin regularly, hourly if possible.
• Flex the calf muscles frequently by pulling up the toes or pushing firmly on the floor.
• Wear a compression garment or stocking
• Purchase non economy class seating, particularly on long flights
• Consult with personal physician about minimizing risks

If you wear medical compression longs or medical compression socks, remember Body Science (BSc) KompressorZ. For specific questions about DVT and your health, you should always consult your healthcare professional who is responsible for your care.