How to Keep Feet From Swelling on a Trip

You've probably taken a long airplane ride or sat in the car for hours and experienced swollen feet and ankles. When you are on the move, your body naturally counteracts gravity and makes the blood return to your heart. When you are seated for a prolonged period, fluids head south and surround the tissues in your legs and feet, causing swelling. Fortunately, it is possible to minimize this condition when you're unable to move around freely.

Instructions

• 1

  If you are flying, get up and walk the length of the airplane every hour. This will get your blood flowing and your ankles should begin to return to normal. If you are driving or riding in a car, stop every few hours to get out and move around.

• 2

  Do in-seat exercises if getting up is simply too much of a hassle. Point your toes, then move your feet back and forth while moving your ankle in a circular motion. Also check the in-flight magazine for suggested exercises that you can do while seated.

• 3

  Drink plenty of water. Avoid dehydration because it causes your blood to become thick and it narrows your blood vessels, inhibiting blood flow to your heart. Most liquids are fine as long as you avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which increase dehydration.

• 4

  Wear compression socks. These stockings exert a fair amount of pressure on your feet and ankles, but the pressure gradually lessens as they move up your leg. By doing this, they push a certain amount of blood up your body, thus removing some of the swelling in your ankles. Compression socks are not just for older people any longer and they come in various colors and styles.