Why are my legs swollen 2 days after flying?

Leg and foot swelling during air travel is common and typically harmless. The most likely culprit is inactivity during a flight. Sitting with your feet on the floor for a long period causes blood to pool in your leg veins. The position of your legs when you are seated also increases pressure in your leg veins.



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Travel: For some people, sitting for a long time in a car or airplane can cause fluid retention. The lack of circulation allows fluid to build up; however, the swelling usually goes away in a day or two.

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The most likely culprit is inactivity during a flight. Sitting with your feet on the floor for a long period causes blood to pool in your leg veins. The position of your legs when you are seated also increases pressure in your leg veins.

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Post-flight recovery
  1. Elevate your feet. If you're uncomfortable, grab a seat at the arrival gate where you can elevate your feet. ...
  2. Soak your feet or take a bath when you arrive at your accommodations. Just as a hot tub or jacuzzi increases blood flow, a hot bath can have the same effect. ...
  3. Take a walk or exercise.


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DVT or PE may manifest during or shortly after the flight, but often not for several weeks. Prevention includes choosing aisle seating, maintaining hydration, walking frequently, wearing loose clothing, exercising the lower extremities, using a foot rest, and avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills.

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POST-FLIGHT SKINCARE Every night, apply three thin layers of natural yogurt to your face (allowing each layer to dry completely between applications) for 10 weeks. Leave the final layer of yogurt on your skin for 10-20 minutes and then remove it with warm water.

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Speaking to Cosmopolitan, a flight attendant revealed staying hydrated, keeping cool and trying to be active is the best way to avoid any puffiness. Alternate your seat position between upright and reclined at different points throughout your flight to avoid fluid pooling under your eyes, they explained.

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The most likely culprit is inactivity during a flight. Sitting with your feet on the floor for a long period causes blood to pool in your leg veins. The position of your legs when you are seated also increases pressure in your leg veins.

MORE DETAILS

Leg and foot swelling during air travel is common and typically harmless. The most likely culprit is inactivity during a flight. Sitting with your feet on the floor for a long period causes blood to pool in your leg veins. The position of your legs when you are seated also increases pressure in your leg veins.

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If symptoms do occur they can include:
  • pain, swelling and tenderness in one of your legs (usually your calf or thigh)
  • a heavy ache in the affected area.
  • warm skin in the area of the clot.
  • red skin, particularly at the back of your leg below the knee.


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Swollen ankles are a common side effect of long-haul flights. They most often occur due to the buildup of fluid in the legs, known as edema. Studies show that edema is present in around 97 in 100 people who fly for more than 7 hours. In some other cases, a person's ankles may swell due to DVT.

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