Living with varicose veins shouldn’t keep you from doing the things you love—including traveling. Have a big trip coming up? While varicose veins are a treatable condition, there are some important factors that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Let’s discuss some of the risk factors that come with traveling—and actions that can be taken to manage leg and vein issues while traveling.
Sitting still for long periods of time
When you’re on a flight or seated in a car or train for extended periods, you’re more or less stuck in one spot. That means your legs aren’t moving. And that lack of movement can slow the circulation of blood in your legs—increasing the risk of developing a blood clot, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Blood circulation is primarily driven by the heart. But movement of the body provides a secondary source of blood flow, especially in the lower extremities which are further away from the heart’s pumping action.
Blood clots in your leg veins are painful but are not life-threatening. However, if a blood clot travels through your veins and to your lungs it can result in a blockage of your lung artery called a pulmonary embolism—and this condition can be life threatening.
Dehydration
Have you ever noticed that you feel thirstier than usual on airplanes? It’s not just the ban on bringing outside drinks through security that causes dehydration on airplanes. The air in airplane cabins is dryer than what most people are used to on the ground.
And that drier air is all you’ve got up there. Breathing it for extended periods will eventually dehydrate you (it’ll evaporate straight from your lungs), and if you aren’t replacing liquids fast enough, your blood circulation can suffer—worsening complications from your varicose veins.
Lower Oxygen Levels
The air you breathe on an airplane has been through a lot. It starts out as atmospheric air that is thinner than what you’d find at sea level.
Your airplane flies through it and sucks it into its engines. It’s then cooled by your plane’s air system and pumped into the cabin and pressurized. But even with all that effort, it still has less oxygen than what you’d experience at sea level. Cabin air has an oxygen level similar to what you’d find between 6,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level.
Lower oxygen in the air means lower oxygen in your blood, which can make circulatory issues worse.
How to mitigate vein issues and still enjoy your vacation
While traveling can come with potential risks, the good news is that there are simple steps you can take to reduce them.
Wear compression stockings
Compression stockings, or compression socks, can be a traveler’s best friend if they experience circulatory issues. The garment works by gently compressing your lower extremities. This compression reduces the diameter of your major veins.
Narrower veins help increase circulation and move blood through your legs more quickly. They also reduce the risk of developing blood clots or blood flowing backwards down toward your foot or sideways into superficial veins.
They also help prevent swelling and should provide you with a more comfortable experience in your seat. So wearing compression stockings is a win/win.
Keep your clothes loose and comfortable
There is no shame in wearing comfortable clothing. Nothing you wear should be tight or constricting in any way. Compression stockings are specifically designed to increase circulation. Other forms of tight clothing are not.
Pay special attention to your lower extremity clothing choices. Tight pants, skirts or shoes should not be worn on a plane. The more comfortable you are—the happier your circulatory system will be.
Keep your legs moving as best you can
You think you’re frozen in that seat? You’re not! You can still stretch and exercise your legs from a seated position.
- Ankle circles: While seated, lift your feet off the ground and rotate your ankles in a circular motion in one direction, then another. This helps improve circulation in your feet and lower legs.
- Knee lifts: Hug your right knee in towards your chest, keeping your left foot on the ground. This exercise helps improve circulation in your lower body and hips.
- Quad stretches: Stand and grab your ankle to stretch your quad. Breathe while stretching.
Get up and walk whenever possible. As soon as the seatbelt sign turns off, take advantage of opportunities to get up, stretch and walk the cabin. There is no shame in frequent trips to the bathroom. Walking is a great way to improve your circulation while on a flight.
Do not use sleeping pills and avoid sleep generally. Immobility is your enemy on a flight and you must remain awake to effectively fight it.
If you’re on a long flight and sleep seems unavoidable—set a series of alarms. Wake yourself every hour or so and assess how your legs are feeling. Stretch and do leg exercises in your seat and stand up and walk the cabin if you can.
Drink water and avoid caffeine and alcohol
Water, juice, and caffeine-free soda are your friends. Leave the coffee and alcohol for after the flight. They may be liquids, but they have a dehydrating effect on your body that you will want to avoid during air travel.
Hydrating liquids are a must and will give you multiple occasions to visit the bathroom, walking and stretching your legs along the way.
Walk and stretch before your flight or drive
Add exercise to your pre-travel list of to-dos. Take a walk around your neighborhood or on a treadmill. Do a 30-minute stretching routine. Any form of leg exercise before your flight will help improve your circulation through body movement.
Breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing and deep-belly breathing can increase your blood oxygen levels.
You don’t want to start your trip at a deficit. Give your circulatory system a “leg up” on the challenges of travel.
Safely navigating travel with vein issues
Now you know what to put on your travel to-do list to make your trip safer, more comfortable and less stressful. That relaxing trip is almost yours.
Living with vein conditions can be challenging, but when you understand what you’re up against and have a vein specialist in your corner—you can do amazing things.
Schedule a free vein screening!
The experts at United Vein & Vascular Center are here for you. We’re ready to answer your questions and partner with you to manage your vein health. We care about your comfort and we’re dedicated to helping you through every step of treating your condition.
Our team of specialists will assess your individual situation, including any past vein treatments and any changes you may be experiencing. Together, we’ll determine the best course of action.
If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your vein health, schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stay hydrated, move your legs frequently, take short walks when possible, and wear compression socks to promote circulation.
Yes, but take precautions. Wear compression socks, stay hydrated, and move your legs regularly to reduce the risk of swelling and blood clots.
Yes, compression socks improve circulation and reduce swelling, making them an excellent choice for flying with varicose veins.
