More and more people are flying long distances and having to remain seated for long periods of time.
When movement is constrained, the blood circulation in the legs is restricted. This situation can lead to several common symptoms such as heavy legs, leg pain, swollen feet and ankles. Prolonged sitting is also a major risk factor for development of phlebitis and thrombosis (blood clot formation). Sometimes clots migrate to the lungs. This is called pulmonary embolism which may be lethal.