Vein Health Tips While Traveling – What Can You Do?

Business woman sitting in airport and waiting for her flightSome 40 million US men and women experience varicose veins. Even though varicose veins are a common condition, traveling can trigger the onset or worsen symptoms. Airplane travel can be a potential concern because the high altitude and the pressurized cabin can thicken the blood in your veins or even a blood clot (venous thrombosis).

The narrow seat and limited movement on your flight, or even on your cross-country car trip, can lead to burning, leg pains, itching, or even swelling. Beyond pain and discomfort, you could experience skin discoloration and bulging veins. That’s why we are here to help you understand and cope with what’s happening. Here’s what you should know.

What Are the Causes of Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are associated with damaged or weak veins. As a result, your blood flows backward, which prevents it from circulating like it usually would. When you sit for extended periods on a flight or long drive, your condition gets more uncomfortable, even painful. When the blood pools in your legs, you can even see purplish-blue or twisted cords on your legs.

How Does Traveling Affect Your Vein Health

Common risk factors for varicose veins include age, gender, and family history. However, even with risk factors, you can often mitigate the effects of your varicose veins by exercising, managing your weight, and watching your blood pressure. While it’s often helpful to elevate your legs, moving around or putting your legs up is not always easy.

How Can You Protect & Support Your Veins While Traveling?

Sitting in a small, cramped space can be uncomfortable even at the best of times. However, you can still take steps to mitigate the effects of your flight or drive. For example, to lower your risk of worsening varicose veins, try these quick tips:

Use compression stockings

Use graduated compression to keep the swelling in your legs down. Compression stockings keep your blood moving during travel, even when sitting for extended periods.

Just move

Keeping active promotes healthy circulation, but it’s not always easy to move around when you’re traveling. Still, here are a few options:

  • Walk up and down the plane aisle every hour. Or, if you’re driving, stop and walk around.
  • Use the limited space in front of your seat to stretch.
  • Recline your seat and stretch.

Find ways to move and stretch as much as possible to work your muscles and promote healthy blood flow.

Stay hydrated

Drink water before, during, and after flying or driving. Hydration prevents your vein walls from narrowing while increasing your circulation of blood.

Next Step: Find Out How Vanishing Vein Northwest Can Help

At Vanishing Vein Northwest, we consult with you about your upcoming trip, with vein treatments being just one solution. Then, we discuss your medical history, your family’s history, and explore the affordable options that treat your varicose veins. Remember, we’re here to help with tips, ideas, and suggestions for how to mitigate the uncomfortable side effects of your varicose veins.

Call us at 425-277-8346 (VEIN) to Schedule Your Appointment Today!