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How to Prevent DVT When you travel
According to the NHS, travel-related DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is fairly rare in healthy people. However, if your holiday destination is over 3 hours away, you could be at risk of developing the blood clots associated with it. However, there is no need to worry - we have compiled this ultimate guide to help you prevent DVT when you travel. We offer a range of products, such as flight stockings, designed to ease your discomfort.
What is DVT?
Deep vein thrombosis describes when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, blocking blood flow. This can occur as a result of sitting still for long periods of time during air, train, or bus travel. Usually, the blood clots occur in your leg; it is generally only in one leg. They can also present themselves in your stomach or arm.
Symptoms of DVT
DVT can present itself in a variety of ways. These include:
- A cramping or throbbing pain in 1 leg, which is usually in the calf or thigh
- Warm skin around the painful area
- Swelling in one leg
- Darkened or red skin around the affected area
- Swollen veins that are sore or hard to the touch
Who is at a higher risk of travel-related deep vein thrombosis?
Certain health conditions increase your risk of developing DVT. These include if you:
- Take medicines such as HRT that contain oestrogen
- Have had a stroke
- Are pregnant, or have given birth within the last 6 weeks
- Have cancer
- Have a history of pulmonary embolism or DVT, or an inherited tendency towards blood clots
- Are very overweight
- Have recently had surgery, especially in your pelvic region, legs, or stomach
How can I prevent DVT when I travel?
Whether you are at extra risk of travel-related DVT or not, there are measures you can take to help prevent it during long journeys.
These include:
- Wearing flight compression socks
- Doing 10x calf exercises at least every half hour, raising your heels, keeping your toes on the ground, and then bringing them down
- Walking around whenever possible
- Drinking plenty of water
We offer a range of flight socks to suit your individual needs, including:
1. Profoot Ribbed Black Flight Socks
Profoot Ribbed Black Flight Socks, which are a class 1 medical device designed to improve circulation. They are available in one size, for UK sizes 4-8. They are made to offer a clinically-proven gradual compression level of 14-18.
2. Profoot Silky Smooth Natural Flight Socks
We also offer a silky smooth alternative, providing more discreet natural protection for your legs. These socks offer the same protection as the aforementioned pair, providing relief for tired, aching legs. They are available in one size, for UK sizes 4-8.
Get your discreet, comfortable compression socks online today!
3. Scholl Black Cotton Feel Flight Socks
If you are looking for alternative flight socks, we also offer the Scholl Black Cotton Feel Flight Socks. These are designed for UK sizes 3-6, providing a compression level of 14-17.
Make sure to get your flight socks online today
We recommend that you stock up on flight socks as soon as you can so that you don’t get caught out before your trip. We offer a comprehensive range of flight compression socks to cater for all sizes. Order online now for efficient 1-2 working day delivery!
This blog post was written on behalf of Chemist.net by Pharmacy Mentor.