How to relieve your legs on long journeys

The most important things in brief

• Many people suffer from swollen legs in summer.
• Background: The organism wants to cool itself, expanding the blood vessels and slowing down the blood circulation.
• This in turn causes the veins to become permeable: fluid escapes and is deposited in the surrounding tissue.
• Legs swell and hurt - and this problem sometimes worsens on long car journeys.

Parents going on vacation with their kids love this question. When are we finally there?! That's what often comes from the back seat, and mom or dad at the wheel quickly gets annoyed. Sure, sitting quietly is not exactly a dream for children, and in summer the air conditioning often loses the fight against the scorching sun that heats up the interior of the car. But the journey to the summer vacation can also be torture for adults when their legs start to hurt.

Take longer breaks more often

A healthy body tends to have fewer problems with swelling and aching legs when they don't get any exercise for a long time. Because exercise is always good, you should plan a few more breaks when you go on summer vacation. They can also be shorter, the main thing is that you move during this time.

It would be ideal to cool your legs at the same time, but treading water when the water temperature is around 15 degrees is difficult at rest areas. It is all the more important to keep the blood thin by constantly absorbing fluids. In other words: drink a lot if you can't move much, tea and mineral water you have brought with you are ideal.

Pay attention to the choice of shoes

If you don't have to drive yourself, then it really helps to take off your shoes. Get rid of your socks right away, this also ensures a feeling of well-being. If you are driving yourself, then it is highly advisable to wear comfortable, wide and light shoes. If these are too narrow, the blood circulation is additionally impeded.

We've already talked about the intake of fluids - but you can also relieve your legs on long car journeys in summer with the right diet. Junk food from the service area only helps to a limited extent - not at all. Portions should be small, and the lighter and healthier the food, the better. Fruits and vegetables are definitely the right choice, not only for the stomach, but also for digestion. The less stress you put on the digestive tract, the less blood is needed to digest food. This protects the blood vessels.

You can't go wrong with compression stockings

If you've experienced these leg problems or are seriously concerned that you might experience leg swelling on long journeys, then compression stockings are a great way to prevent them. In principle, they act like a massage that stimulates blood flow and circulation - exactly what prevents swollen legs.

Difficulties with the legs do not only occur in the car and not only in summer (even if the problems occur more quickly in the heat), but also on the plane, on long train journeys and in the office. Of course, the same tips will help here.