Why Do My Feet and Ankles Swell When I Fly?

Summer holidays are here! It's a time when many people pack their bags to visit exciting places all over the world. But, have you ever felt worried about going on an airplane because your feet and ankles puff up like balloons?

This can feel uncomfortable, make you feel a bit embarrassed, and sometimes you might worry if it's something serious.

Lots of travellers, like adults and even kids, can have swollen feet and ankles when they fly, especially on long plane rides.

In this blog, we're going to find out why our feet decide to puff up when we fly and give you some cool tips to help.

Why do our feet swell on planes?

Changes in Plane Pressure: When you're inside a plane, it's like being on a high mountain where the air is thinner than what we're used to. This thin air can make the liquid in our bodies leave our blood vessels and cause our feet to swell up.

Sitting for Too Long: On long plane rides, we often sit for a long time without moving much. This can slow down the blood flow in our legs, causing our feet to swell up.

Lack of Water: The air inside a plane is very dry, which can make us thirsty and dehydrated. If we're not drinking enough water, our blood can get thick and pool in our feet, making them puff up.

Tips to keep your feet from swelling on planes.

Drink Lots of Water: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Try to avoid too many fizzy drinks or teas, as they can make you thirsty and not hydrate you enough.

Move Around: Try not to sit still for too long. Walk up and down the aisle when you can. Stretch your legs, turn your ankles in circles, and do simple leg exercises to keep your blood flowing.

Wear Comfy Clothes: Wear clothes and shoes that are loose and comfy. They should not squeeze your body and stop your blood from flowing properly. Some people wear special socks that help the blood flow and stop your feet from swelling.

Put Your Feet Up: If you can, lift your feet up by resting them on a footrest, your carry-on bag, or an inflatable footrest. This can help stop the swelling.

Listen to Doctors: If you have a medical condition or are at a high risk of getting blood clots, talk to a doctor before flying. They might suggest wearing special clothes or taking medicine to prevent swelling.

Don't Cross Your Legs: Crossing your legs can slow down the blood flow, making your feet swell. Try to keep your feet flat on the floor or lifted up on a footrest.

You can also gently rub your feet and lower legs during the flight to keep the blood flowing.

In the end...

Having swollen feet on planes can be annoying, but it's usually nothing to be scared of. These simple tips can make your feet feel better. Drinking water, moving around, wearing comfy clothes, and lifting your feet can help a lot. If you're worried or have a medical condition, always talk to a doctor before your trip to make sure your flight is safe and comfy. If your feet are still swollen a day after you land, tell a doctor.

If you're visiting us before your holidays, ask us to check your blood flow. We can do some easy tests and give you advice just for you.

Have a great trip!