Traveling This Summer? 3 Tips for Traveling with Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can be a cosmetic concern but can be an excruciating condition. They can interfere with activities that you enjoy, including traveling. Varicose veins are aggravated by sitting or standing for too long, which is a big part of traveling. 

The good news is there are ways you can manage your pain and discomfort no matter how you plan to get from point A to point B. Your varicose veins don’t have to be why you say no to vacation plans this summer. 

Tips for Managing Varicose Veins on Vacation  

Sitting or standing for long periods is a reality of traveling. Long stretches on the road or delays at the airport can keep you sedentary. In addition, anyone with varicose veins knows that prolonged sitting or standing can wreak havoc on their condition. So, it is essential to prepare for travel to enjoy the experience. 

Below are three tips for managing your varicose veins while you get to your vacation destination this summer.  

1. Take Breaks: Whether traveling by ground or air, you must take breaks from sitting too long. Sitting for too long can disrupt your circulation and cause issues with your veins. Walking around encourages proper blood flow so your veins can do their job. You must also change positions often to keep blood from pooling. To get the most out of your travel, prioritize moving around every hour. If you are on a plane, shift your position in your seat as much as possible. Then, get up for a bathroom break or a quick walk through the aisle to jumpstart your circulation again. If you are road tripping, stop the car every 60 miles or so for a stretch and get as many steps in as you can before hitting the road again. Your legs will thank you.
2. Stay Hydrated: You are staying hydrated while traveling is a big one. Drinking adequate amounts of water will improve blood flow and strengthen the muscles that support your veins. Having a bottle of water with you when traveling is essential, regardless of your means. Sip on it frequently throughout your trip. In addition, experts recommend avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and salty foods when traveling with varicose veins. 
3. Wear Compression Stockings: Swelling is likely to occur when sitting for an extended period. Also, getting up and moving around often when traveling isn't always possible, so compression stockings can help stand in the gap while you fry to your destination. To keep swelling down and blood properly flowing through your legs, get a pair of compression stockings. 

These accessories help to reduce swelling and keep the blood from pooling in your legs. They add pressure, which allows the blood to flow back up from your legs, despite gravity pulling it down. Doctors recommend compression stockings for traveling with varicose veins, but they help with other conditions, too. Individuals of all ages can use them to treat deep vein thrombosis, chronic venous insufficiency, and edema. Athletes also use them to help improve circulation. Vein doctors encourage their pregnant patients to wear compression stockings when traveling if they are experiencing lower extremity swelling.

Flying With Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a product of valve failure, which causes blood to pool instead of pumping back to the heart. It causes swelling, which can lead to concerns of blood clots, especially when  flying with varicose veins. When you use proper precautions, air travel is not considered any riskier than traveling by other means. If you can, consider upgrading your seat on the plane to first class, where you’ll have more leg room. If this isn’t an option, see if you can stake an aisle seat. This allows for more room to change positions often on the flight. It also enables you to get out and walk around more easily. 

If you are struggling with varicose veins and would like a consultation for treatment, give us a call today. Here at BASS Vein Center, we are experts in all types of vein conditions and offer many treatments to address these issues. So don’t wait; give us a call today.