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Dr. Desmond Bell Recommends: Compression Stockings for Comfortable Travel

Dr. Bell Recommends Compression StockingsYou may have one last vacation planned for the summer, but long hours in the car or plane might leave you with achy, swollen legs and even blood clots in the limbs. It’s uncomfortable and also can be dangerous – dehydration, low cabin pressure on flights, and the position of your legs while seated for long hours may cause a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). To prevent clotting and DVT, Dr. Bell recommends wearing compression stockings on the legs when travelling for long periods of time.

Compression stockings are elastic, knee-high socks that work by squeezing the legs, helping the veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently. This reduces clotting and can also reduce the appearance of varicose veins. “Ideally, if you know you’re going to be travelling for a long time, you will be able to stand up and walk around every few hours, to stretch your legs,” says Dr. Bell. “But that’s not always possible. Compression stockings and socks are a good way to keep swelling and pain to a minimum when flying or driving in the car.”

Have you ever worn compression stockings while travelling? Tell us about it on our Facebook page.

 

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