As family and business travel increases each year, we can expect to hear and see more news about "economy class syndrome." This term is used to describe the leg health symptoms experienced by plane, train, bus, and automobile passengers on long trips and is associated with the serious leg conditions called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Thrombosis can ultimately lead to potentially fatal blockage in the lung, known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).

During periods of extended inactivity in cramped conditions such as a long plane flight or even a long car ride, normal blood circulation can be restricted, which can cause leg fatigue and discomfort and may contribute to the serious problem of DVT. Activity of the calf muscles is needed to contract veins and propel blood from the legs back to the heart. Without this activity, blood can pool in the veins of the leg and form a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in the legs.

The problem may not be evident until a traveler arrives and begins normal activity. That's when the clot can dislodge and migrate to the lungs where it can cause a pulmonary embolism, a dangerous and often deadly condition.

Deep vein thrombosis can strike men and women who are in otherwise good health with little warning. However, obesity, pregnancy, chronic heart disease, use of hormone medications, varicose veins and recent trauma or surgery may increase a person's risk of DVT.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Explained

A thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a form of thrombosis that develops in one of the deep veins of the body.

DVT often begins in the calf or thigh because blood moves relatively slowly in these areas, particularly if exercise is limited. As the blood begins to pool in an area, a clot develops and can attach itself to the wall of a vessel or in more severe cases become wedged within a vessel, blocking blood flow.

Blood clots are common. And while a blood clot itself is not life threatening it can cause serious complications. Professor Reginald Lord, head of the vascular group of St. Vincent's hospital in Sydney, says only one percent of venous thromboses cause complications.

As a clot develops in size, it can shed pieces of the clot. These are referred to as emboli. The emboli float through the blood system and can travel through the heart to major arteries in the lung causing serious and sometimes fatal complications.

One of the most serious is referred to as a pulmonary embolism where blood flow to the lung is blocked.

In rarer cases, the clot could also be pumped towards the brain and block arteries that supply the brain. If this happens, a potentially fatal stroke may result.

Many patients with deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) have no obvious symptoms, although some may, for example, experience:

• swelling

• tenderness

• pain

• redness in their leg

A further problem is that many other conditions produce similar symptoms to those seen with DVT, these include skin infections in particular, and muscle strains. Your physician may wish to conduct specific tests that examine the deep vein of your affected limb if he/she suspects you have DVT.

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE) may include:

• shortness of breath

• sharp chest pain that is worse during deep breathing

• coughing up of blood

• a rapid heart beat

Over 40 years old - risk increases with age. DVT occurs more common in women, than men.

External Risk Factors:

• Immobilization (bed rest, long trips, etc.)

• Smoking

• Cramped seating in some new aircraft

• Obesity

• Recent Trauma from an accident or surgery (especially to legs),

• Decreased Oxygen

• Oral contraceptives or hormonal replacement

Medical Risk Factors:

• Previous DVT

• History of malignancy

• Recent surgery

• History of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Oral contraceptives or hormonal replacement

Familial/Hereditary Risk Factors:

• Occurrence of DVT, especially under age 35

The risk are not simply additive, and the risk of DVT can more than double with 2 risk factors.

To reduce the risk for DVT while traveling, physicians recommend wearing therapeutic hosiery to improve blood circulation in the legs.

Silver in X-Static® socks has this therapeutic effect of promoting blood circulation by creating a magnetic field around the feet when worn.

This therapeutic quality of X-Static® socks eliminates or significantly reduces swelling (edema) due to long periods of standing or sitting. This blood circulatory effect helps direct blood up toward the heart rather than allowing blood to remain stagnant and pool in the legs.

To help prevent leg discomfort, travelers on tour buses or long international flights, can wear X-Static® hosiery, such as P-TEC X-Static® Health Socks.

These silver X-Static® socks offers the feet a proper fit and promotes blood circulation. This assists the calf muscles, which have minimal movement in cramped quarters, thus alleviating the swell and accumulation of blood in the feet.

Although the added risk of developing a DVT caused by traveling appears to be low, it can be reduced even further by exercising the legs at least once every hour during long-distance travel.

This means taking regular breaks if driving, or walking up and down the aisle of a coach, train or plane.

The muscles of the lower legs (which act as a pump for the blood in the veins) can be exercised while sitting by pulling the toes towards the knees then relaxing, or by pressing the balls of the feet down while raising the heel.

Other preventive measures:

• Don't take sleeping pills. These cause immobility, increasing the risk of DVT

• Wear loose-fitting clothing

• Keep the legs uncrossed

• Keep hydrated by drinking normally (urine should be no darker than a pale yellow)

• Avoid alcohol to prevent dehydration

• Wear graduated compression stockings (TEDs). This is particularly important for travelers who have other risk factors for DVT

Some doctors recommend taking aspirin before traveling because of its blood thinning effects. But it is not suitable for children and can have side-effects. If in doubt, seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor.

People who have one or more of the risk factors mentioned earlier should seek medical advice before traveling.

Anyone who develops swelling or pain in the leg, or breathing problems after traveling should seek medical advice urgently.

X-Static® is a registered trademark of Noble Fiber Technologies, Inc.