9 Tips for Healthy Feet during Air Travel
Posted by JB Smith, Co-Owner on
It's the time of year again when many of us will be headed home for the holidays. With that in mind, we wanted to share with you some foot care travel must-dos, written by Foot Healers Podiatrist Clinic in St. Louis.
If your holiday plans involve a lot of air travel, keep in mind the importance of proper foot care. Long trips and extended periods of sitting can cause your feet and ankles to swell. Here are nine tips to promote foot health during air travel:
1. Watch What You Eat. On the day before and day of your flight, avoid salt as much as possible. Sodium can cause your body to retain more fluid, making foot swelling more likely.
2. Drink Water. Drinking lots of water leading up to and on the day of your flight will keep you hydrated. Bring a water bottle with you on the plane and refill it when needed. Another bonus? Drinking lots of water will force you to get up and walk to the restroom.
3. Walk Around. Get your blood flowing by walking around a couple times per hour. Even if it’s just to walk up and down the aisle, it’ll keep your blood circulating. This is especially important on flights over 2 hours.
4. Store Your Bags Overhead. If your feet have to share space with your carry-ons, they’ll be even more cramped and prone to swelling.
5. Ask for an Aisle Seat. When possible, ask to sit in an aisle seat so you’ll have more opportunity to get up and move around. Bulkhead and emergency exit seats also provide more room for your legs to stretch out.
6. Massage Those Toes. Kicking off your shoes and massaging your feet will stimulate blood flow and reduce swelling.
7. Elevate Your Feet. If at all possible, elevate your feet either on the seat next to you or on the foot rest under the seat in front of you. Elevation will promote blood circulation.
8. Don’t Cross Your Legs. Your circulation will already be slowed when you sit for hours. Crossing your legs will only cut it off more.
9. Wear Proper Footwear. Wear compression socks or hose and avoid normal socks that cut off at the ankle. Slip-on shoes are also easier to remove to massage your feet.
Content from www.everydayhealth.com.