Blog Layout
Travel Tips For Varicose Veins | Protect Your Legs This Year
websitebuilder • December 7, 2021
How Traveling Can Affect Your Legs
Even for the most healthy individuals, long rides on an airplane, a train, or in the car can take a toll on your circulatory system. Being seated for hours at a time can cause circulation to slow and blood to pool up in our legs. This can create severe leg pain for those of us dealing with varicose and spider veins. If there is an existing vein issue, traveling can exacerbate the problem.
Travel can also put us at risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) which can be a serious health risk. DVT occurs when blood cells pile up and form a clot. They usually occur in the legs and occasionally cause severe pain and swelling, but sometimes show no symptoms.
Traveling can affect your vein health in the following ways:
- Agitate any existing varicose or spider veins
- Leg pain
- Swelling
- Risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis
What You Can Do To Protect Your Veins During Travel:
Here are some things you can do to minimize the stress put on your circulatory system as you travel:
Move
- When flying, try to walk up and down the aisle every hour.
- If driving, stop the car when possible to get out and walk for a short time.
- Recline your seat and elevate your legs. This will help increase circulation.
- Try to bend your legs and then extend them to help keep them moving.
- Move your feet and toes frequently.
- Keep big bags clear of your foot area so you can stretch out.
- Wear compression socks - an easy and effective solution.
Hydrate
Make sure that you intake plenty of water. This allows your skin to retain its elasticity even when the moisture level inside the airplane cabin runs low. When your body is dehydrated, the skin becomes tight and loses its pliability. This puts added stress on the circulatory system and can make it harder for your veins to do their job properly.
Drinking water also helps keep the vein walls from narrowing. So it's important to remember to avoid caffeine and alcohol during your flight. They have a tendency to dehydrate our bodies and make the problem worse.
Things To Avoid Before Traveling:
- Sleeping pills
- Illegal drugs
- Alcohol
- Tight clothing - especially around the waistline
- Wearing high heel shoes
Anything that slows down your heart rate, or interferes with your circulatory system needs to be avoided. Before we travel, we want to do everything possible to reduce our risk of vein issues and DVT.
What Are The Risks Associated With DVT?
As mentioned, DVT is when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of our body; usually in the legs. They are common among people who have been confined to a bed for a long period of time. People who have been recovering from a surgery or an accident may find themselves at a higher risk for DVT.
While Deep Vein Thrombosis can occur without symptoms, here is a list of signs to look for:
- Warmth in the leg
- Red or discolored skin
- Cramping pain in the leg that starts near the calf
One of the biggest risks with DVT is the threat of Pulmonary Embolism. This is when the clot breaks free and finds its way in to the lungs. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you need to seek medical care immediately:
- Heightened pulse
- Shortness of breath that occurs suddenly
- Chest pains that increase with deep breath or coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Fainting
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
Speak With Your Doctor Before Leaving
Your doctor can help you determine if you are at a higher risk for DVT or other vein issues. They may choose to prescribe blood thinning medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, or medication to help dissolve clots.
Contact Us
If you need to speak with a vein specialist before traveling, give us a call at 9073343347. Or click below.
Articles
As healthcare providers, we often encounter patients who are concerned about varicose veins during and after pregnancy. They can cause discomfort and aesthetic concerns. One common question we hear is whether it’s better to treat varicose veins immediately or wait until after completing childbearing. We usually recommend treating varicose veins as soon as it is possible to do so. We'll share some of the reasons why this is beneficial.
Varicose veins, those twisted and enlarged veins that often look ropey and blue or purple beneath the skin, are more than just a cosmetic concern. While they may initially seem like no problem, their implications can extend far beyond aesthetics. In this article, we'll take a look into the importance of early detection and treatment of varicose veins, and how addressing this condition before it progresses allows for better overall outcomes.
The colder months may be the best time for Alaskans to get their varicose veins treated. Here's 5 reasons why you should consider it.
Easy Ways To Help Your Legs Look Good Even With Varicose and Spider Veins.
How are varicose veins and spider veins different from each other?
The end of the year is approaching and many are missing out on their chance to take advantage of free medical care. If you have met your health insurance's deductible for the year, you might be eligible for low-cost or free varicose vein treatment.
In today's digital age, many of us spend the majority of our days sitting at a desk, often in front of a computer and then go home to spend more time on our phones. While this technological revolution has brought about numerous advantages, it has also given rise to various health concerns. One of these concerns is the increased risk of developing varicose veins. Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic concern but can also lead to discomfort and, if left untreated, potentially more serious health issues. If you're a person that spends most of your day at a desk, it's essential to take proactive steps to care for your veins and reduce the risk of varicose veins. Here are some valuable tips to keep your veins healthy despite working in the seated position:
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a common condition that affects many individuals, causing twisted and enlarged veins, often appearing in the legs. While they are relatively common, varicose veins are surrounded by several myths and misconceptions. In this article, we will debunk some of the most prevalent myths and provide evidence-based information to help separate fact from fiction.
Alaska Vein Care Announces Grand Opening of New Location on Old Seward Highway
Anchorage | (907) 334-3347
Juneau | (907) 523-2737
Kenai | (907) 334-3347
Wasilla | (907) 357-2005
Fairbanks | (907) 334-3347
Icons Made By freepik.com
Icon by Becris on freeicons.io