Your wellbeing
in the air
Exercises
Anti DVT exercises
If you have looked
at
what can be
added
to
your flight and are ready
to
make your selections book
on-line now.
Exercises - toe curls
These exercises also stimulate activity in the smaller muscle groups, that help the blood circulate upwards from your leg veins.
Curl ups
Whilst sitting in your seat, keep your feet flat on the floor and curl your toes
up, towards your knees as tight as you can. Use your hands to feel those muscles at the outer edge of your shinbone tightening. That tightening
tells you that those muscles are performing their 'pumping action' on those
leg veins.
Try to do 10 toe curl ups in succession.
Curl downs
Curl downs or flexes are just the opposite of the above exercise - you curl your toes downwards, whilst keeping your heels on the floor. Imagine
trying to pick up a peanut off the floor with your toes - curling up the toes as tight as you can, then relaxing. This action contracts those muscles at the back of the calf, further stimulating blood flow through those leg veins. Try
to do 10 toe curl downs, in succession.
This may all sound very complicated at first, but in fact it's not so bad. Just remember, whenever you're sitting still for any length of time, anywhere - toes up, heels up, toes up, heels up. And if you want to take it further: toe exercises - curl up, curl down, curl up, curl down!
These exercises won't exactly drain you of energy - but they could prevent DVT. And, whilst you're concentrating on them (and watching your fellow passengers, to see if they're doing them!), your journey will pass very quickly indeed! I wish I was coming with you!
Enjoy your holiday!
Dr Chris Steele
PS. Beware, whenever I'm with my family on Thomas Cook's flights, I could be watching you - so get those heels and toes moving!
