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Why do your feet swell when driving?

I’m driving from Maine to San Diego, and I notice my feet are swollen when I get out of the car after I’ve been driving for a few hours. Why does this happen?

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Jason Tushinski · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sounds like a fun road trip! If your feet are swollen when driving, it’s probably due to sitting in one spot for a prolonged period of time. This is common on long car trips or flights where you aren’t moving for hours on end.
This happens because blood pools in your leg veins. Some of that blood passes through nearby soft tissue, causing your feet to swell up.
Odds are, your swollen feet are nothing to worry about and will subside after you start moving around. However, seek help if you notice any of the following when your feet are swollen:
  • You feel sudden chest pains
  • You are out of breath
  • You cough up blood
  • Swelling doesn’t subside after significant activity
  • Swelling is in one leg only
  • Your feet or legs are in pain
If your feet remain swollen long after you finish driving and you feel unwell, seek medical attention.
To relieve your swollen feet, you can:
  • Move around your ankles around, and raise your knees up and down frequently if you’ll be sitting for a while
  • If you’re done driving, go for a walk; if you’re just taking a break, take a short walk before hitting the road again
  • Stay hydrated and drink lots of water
As you hit the road for your trip, make sure you’ve covered by a robust and affordable
car insurance
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