Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, and undoubtedly some of you will be getting on a bus or a plane to visit family or just get away for the long weekend. But if you have circulation issues in your feet, traveling in a confined space for hours can be painful, and sometimes even downright dangerous. However, there are some precautions you can take to help facilitate the flow of healthy blood to your extremities. Today, we share some tips for traveling if you have poor foot circulation.
Traveling With Poor Foot Circulation
Blood circulation is essential for your whole body health, as healthy blood flow helps to spread oxygen and nutrients to vital structures and organs. However, conditions like hypertension and diabetes can damage our veins and lead to poor blood circulation. If you have any of these issues, traveling can exacerbate the problem because movement, which often helps to get the blood flowing, is restricted.
To help keep healthy blood flowing, we’ve compiled some tips that you should keep in mind the next time you have to travel.
1. Hydrate – Drinking plenty of water helps to open blood vessels, which will help the movement of healthy blood throughout your body.
2. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol – Conversely, alcohol and caffeine can have an inverse effect on your veins, so try to avoid those items for at least 24 hours before you board the bus or plane.
3. Dress Appropriately – If you know you’re going to be cramped, wear some loose fitting clothing. Tight pants or restrictive options can inhibit healthy blood flow.
4. Consider Medications – If you have a serious medical condition, or you’re simply worried about your feet during a cross country flight, talk to your doctor in advance of the trip to see if a blood-thinning medication may be helpful.
5. Don’t Cross Your Legs – It may not be easy to cross your legs, but even if you have enough room, you should avoid doing so because it can compromise healthy blood flow.
6. Move – If possible, get up and move around the cabin or the bus when it is safe to do so. Even if you don’t have to go to the bathroom, get up and get moving. If you aren’t able to stand up and move, flex your ankles for a couple of minutes every half hour or so.