Feet Feeling "Swell" After that Flight?

As a passenger on a plane, you spend most of your time seated with your feet on the floor. This allows blood to pool in your leg veins. When you walk, the muscles in your legs contract and compress the veins, forcing blood back to your heart.

You can usually relieve swelling during and after a flight by:
- Elevating your feet and legs
- Get up and walk around the plane once an hour
- Rotate your ankles while seated

On flights lasting six hours or more, consider taking these additional precautions to reduce the risk of DVT:
- Avoid wearing tight clothing around your waist
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
- Stretch your calves once an hour
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives, which promote immobility