Flying and Edema ( swelling)
 

This may not be a travel buzz question but I imagine others have had this experience.
Lately, on any flight over about 2.5 hours I notice that my hands and feet are swelling a lot. Does anyone have any advice for this? I have been told to drink more water but to be honest i just seem to spend more time in the lav when I do that. And as we all know, that isn't that best part of the plane.
I don't have any underlying blood pressure problems so I am a little puzzled. It takes a couple of days for my limbs to get back to normal.

I've noticed that too, esp. on the recently MH flight I had from KUL to LAX. By the end I could barely get my club-like swollen foot back into my shoes. Like you said, I didn't used to notice this as much...

If you can elevate your feet, that will help. I tend to carry a backpack filled with 'put your feet on it' kind of stuff and it's a definite improvement.
It's aggravated, of course, by your sodium intake, and you are at the mercy of the airlines' caterers; can only suggest bringing your own low-sodium food, requesting a special diet plate of same, or foregoing the saltiest foods (ie. nuts and pretzels).
Also, get up and move around as much as you can, and drinking a lot of liquids helps with this. :)

I think it might be possible to order low-salt meals, although I'd hate to eat the airline's version.

This article has a sales agenda, but explains what happens when flying:
http://www.life-enhancement.com/arti...ate.asp?ID=909

Note that worsened edema could be a sign of diabetes.

Dry facts:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/003104.htm

ahh Jeez, I guess I need to get some support hose! I have also noticed a few vericose veins, I'm getting older by the minute. :( I think that all this flying maybe accelerating my body clock.

My doctor also advised me to eat onions the day before flying. It has seemed to help... (It also helps to keep people from encroaching on my space in the plane :D )

that is exactly what happened to me too! Only different is im travelling fr LAX to SG via KL.
My legs and that of my son's have swollen and when i landed realised that even my face and fingers are affected.
Got to sat no to those peanuts and request for low sodium food the next time.

Bumping a 13 year thread is a violation of the TOS. I suggest if one wishes to begin a new discussion on flying and edema to please do so.
Thanks,
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator