Warning as Australian tourist surprised by ‘shocking’ side effect on long-haul flight from Europe: ‘Everyone should know about this’
- Tom Dowling was traveling back home from Greece to Sydney
- After the 25-hour journey, he was surprised to find that his legs had become swollen.
- Issue a warning to other travelers about what may happen
An Australian traveler opened up about a “really bad” painful side effect he experienced after a long-haul flight.
Tom Dowling was traveling back home to Sydney after a summer vacation in Europe and was feeling ready to leave Mykonos, Greece.
However, after the 25-hour journey, he was shocked to discover that his legs had swollen over his socks and shoes.
‘Shit, my legs are so swollen from that flight. They look like little chunky helmets! That’s disgusting! she said, expressing her shock on a TikTok. video.
Tom Dowling (pictured) was shocked to discover his legs were swollen after returning home to Sydney from a long-haul flight from Europe. His legs had swollen on his socks and shoes, but they returned to normal after 24 hours.
‘My ankle was jumping on my converse. My calves were twice the size and I could barely get my shoe off. I thought it was pretty funny and I was laughing with my roommate, making jokes,” Tom said. Yahoo News Australia.
“I haven’t done a long flight in years because of Covid and whatnot.”
Fortunately, her legs were back to normal within 24 hours of her return home.
According mayo clinic, leg and foot swelling tends to occur for a number of reasons and is a common side effect experienced by travelers. Usually, inactivity during a flight causes swelling.
However, the swelling is usually harmless and tends to go back to normal on its own.
The best way to prevent or relieve swelling is to wear loose clothing, walk around every few hours, flex your calf muscles, and drink water.
The video has since surpassed 210,000 views and Tom has encouraged others to wear compression socks when traveling.
“This happened to me when I flew to the UK last year and it was the first time it had happened. I got a little scared,” one person commented.
“That’s why I always get aisle seats for long flights from Australia. I can stand and walk to get circulation flowing when needed!’ said another.
“Ok, maybe buy a pair of compression stockings,” added a third.
Someone else warned: ‘If you feel pain or shortness of breath, go immediately to the hospital.’
If the swelling does not go away on its own, seek medical attention, as some travelers may be at increased risk of blood clots.
