As a Commercial Motor Vehicle driver, you can be at a higher risk for developing blood clots, or “Driver’s leg Syndrome”, which could subsequently lead to a stroke. Anyone can be at risk for developing blood clots from prolonged periods of sitting.
The NHLBI and NIH state that the major risk factors for a stroke include:
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol levels
- Smoking
- Heart conditions that can cause blood clots or blockages such as Atrial Fibrillation, Coronary Artery Disease, Carotid Artery Disease, and Heart Valve Disease
Prevention of Blood Clots
There are many steps you can take to prevent blood clots:
- Stay hydrated with water (drink at least 64-80 ounces per day), and limit caffeine and alcohol intake. Caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration and the formation of blood clots.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Stay physically active off duty, and during your break periods, walk around your truck and stretch your legs.
- Stop smoking or eliminate the use of any nicotine-containing products. Nicotine prematurely narrows the blood vessels, which are susceptible to trapping clots.
- Consider wearing compression socks or calf compression sleeves.
Compression Socks and Calf Compression Sleeves
Compressions socks or compression calf sleeves can help prevent or alleviate blood clots by providing light pressure to the calves, ankles, and feet, which in turn boosts blow flow. The aim is to:
- Reduce swelling by preventing blood pooling in the lower extremities
- Reduce muscle aches and cramping
- Reduce “prickly” pain and numbness
- Treat foot conditions, such as Planter Fasciitis
- Fight restless legs
- Reduce leg fatigue
- Prevent clots or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
