12/13/2025
WHAT HAPPENS When you sit still for long periods — like on a long flight or at a desk — your calf muscles aren’t contracting much.
Here’s what happens:
1. Lymph relies on movement. Without calf squeezes, there’s very little external pressure on the lymph vessels in your legs.
2. Gravity works against you. Lymph fluid tends to pool in the lower limbs.
3. Valves can’t help if nothing’s pushing. The one-way valves in lymph vessels need an upward push to close properly and move fluid toward the trunk.
4. Fluid builds up. This leads to swelling (peripheral edema) and a heavy-leg feeling.
Even small, regular movements — like ankle circles, standing up every 30–60 minutes, or walking a few steps — can restart that “muscle pump” action and keep both blood and lymph flowing.
If you want, I can also give you a simple calf-pump activation routine you can do at your desk or during travel that keeps lymph moving efficiently.