Tips for Traveling With Varicose Veins

While varicose veins are common, they can present unique travel complications. In some cases, varicose vein symptoms can worsen while traveling as a result of sitting for long periods of time during air travel. Blood clots can form in extreme situations, leading to serious health conditions.

So, how do you safely travel with varicose veins?

Recommendations for Safe Travel With Varicose Veins

There are several things you can do to avoid complications when traveling. Most are quite simple to do. 

• Stay Mobile: 
  • Leave your seat every two hours or plan pit stops to get up and walk around.
  • If you’re unable to leave your seat, do ankle circles, knee lifts and toe raises.
  • Periodically massage your calf muscles.
  • Avoid sitting with your legs crossed.
• Remain Hydrated: 
  • Drink plenty of water, juice or tea.
  • It’s important to avoid coffee and alcohol because they can both cause dehydration.
  • Avoid foods with high sodium and salt content, which can make your legs swell and dehydrate you.
• Wear Compression Stockings: 
  • They will ensure blood doesn’t pool in your lower legs.
  • We can recommend the proper compression level for your needs.
• Regulate Room Temperature:
  • When you’re in warm weather, varicose vein symptoms can worsen.
  • Keep your bedroom cool at night.
  • After long periods in warm weather, soak your legs in a cold bath.

Be Sure to Prepare for the Trip

Once you book your trip, take some precautions to ensure you’re prepared. 

• Have a Vein Assessment: This will ensure there are no clots or blockages restricting blood flow before your trip.
• Stay Hydrated: Make sure to bring fluid-rich snacks, which will improve hydration and, in turn, blood circulation.
• Bring a Footrest: Having a pillow or footrest to raise the level of your feet will improve circulation.
• Choose Appropriate Clothing: Wear nonrestrictive, loose-fitting clothing to maximize blood flow.

Treatments With Minimal Downtime

There are things you can do to treat your varicose veins prior to traveling. We have several treatment options with little to no downtime offered at The Vein Institute of Hunterdon. Having your veins treated before you travel can help ease your mind about any concerns you might have.

• • Endovenous Laser Ablation: This can be performed anywhere from a few weeks to a few days before traveling to remove varicose veins and alleviate the associated symptoms.
  • Sclerotherapy: Injecting a solution, the varicose vein is sealed closed, eliminating the vein and all symptoms associated with it.

• Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Using local anesthesia, this outpatient procedure involves removing the vein through small incisions in the skin.

The Vein Institute of Hunterdon strives to provide the highest level of satisfaction for all of our patients. Using state-of-the-art treatment options, we ensure our staff of highly skilled professionals offers superior care and compassion. We can provide consultation and treatment to address your varicose veins effectively.

If you want more information regarding your varicose veins and various treatment options, contact The Vein Institute of Hunterdon to schedule your appointment today.