How to Prevent Leg Swelling During the Spring Travel Rush
As the Spring Travel Rush enters its peak season, people are rushing home to celebrate the holidays. Whether they are taking buses, trains, or planes, the long journeys can often lead to leg swelling. Leg swelling is a common issue during the Spring Travel Rush, but what causes it and how can it be prevented?
What Causes Leg Swelling
In crowded vehicles, it is often inconvenient to move around. Many people choose to stay seated or stand for long periods of time, which can lead to the formation of blood clots and subsequent leg swelling. Patients with pre-existing venous varicose veins are even more susceptible to blood clots due to prolonged sitting. This is because the pressure in the calf veins decreases, blood viscosity increases, platelet count increases, and blood coagulation increases. When the endothelium of blood vessels is slightly damaged, it can promote platelet adhesion and the formation of platelet thrombus, followed by fibrin deposition and thrombus enlargement, leading to vessel occlusion.
How to Reduce Leg Swelling
1. Wear compression stockings before departure to reduce edema with external pressure. The correct way to wear them is to put them on while lying down and take them off while lying down. This can prevent blood from accumulating in the feet and prevent lower limb swelling.
2. Avoid prolonged standing or sitting positions. Walking can promote venous return by using the pump effect of the calf muscles. When the train stops, take the opportunity to walk around on the platform.
3. Avoid prolonged leg hanging. Elevating the legs can promote blood circulation. If it is not convenient to stand up, do some small leg and foot exercises, such as rotating the ankles and tiptoeing.
4. Tap to reduce swelling. Gently tap the legs with closed fists to help relax the muscles. The midline of the back of the leg contains many acupoints that can help relieve fatigue and eliminate toxins, so massaging them can be beneficial.
5. Elevate the legs to reduce swelling. Raise the legs slightly and use a massage roller to massage the swollen calves from top to bottom, preferably with a slightly warm effect.
What to Do About Leg Swelling and How to Reduce It
Health Tips for the Spring Travel Rush
1. Ensure rest and pay attention to diet
During the Spring Travel Rush, the journey is often crowded, noisy, and tiring, which can weaken the body's immune system. In addition, the lack of air circulation and dry environment can easily breed bacteria and viruses, leading to colds. Therefore, it is important to ensure sufficient sleep before traveling and consume easily digestible and nutritious food during the journey. It is advisable to avoid oily, fried, and greasy foods, and to include a proper mix of meat and fruits and vegetables to ensure an adequate intake of fiber and vitamins.
In addition, it is recommended to carry disposable disinfectant wet wipes in case hand washing is not possible during the journey, to prevent symptoms such as diarrhea.
2. Stay hydrated
Some people may reduce their water intake in order to avoid using the restroom frequently, or even habitually "hold in" their urine, which can easily lead to urinary tract infections. Elderly people with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are more susceptible to exacerbation of existing conditions. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated during train journeys, with a preference for drinking water and tea, and less consumption of high-sugar fruit juices and carbonated drinks. If there is a need to urinate, it is important to address it in a timely manner, even if it may be inconvenient.
3. Move around
During long journeys, maintaining a seated position for extended periods of time can slow down blood flow in the leg veins, leading to leg swelling. In severe cases, it can even lead to the formation of leg vein blood clots, posing a risk of pulmonary embolism.
It is recommended to change positions frequently. If conditions allow, it is best to stand up and walk every one or two hours to promote blood circulation. If you can only sit in your seat, you can tiptoe or shake your legs, which can effectively promote blood circulation in the calves. Alternatively, you can massage the legs from top to bottom with your hands to help blood flow back to the heart.
