Presant: Protect your veins while traveling this holiday season

Dr. Lawrence Presant

Courtesy of Arizona Vein Specialists

During the holiday season many people embark on long plane flights or car rides to visit family. For those suffering from vein problems, long-distance travel isn’t only stressful, it can lead to serious medical issues. Vein conditions like varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis carry risks for complications when having to sit in one spot for long periods during travel.

However, there are a few ways you can protect yourself while traveling. Following a few simple steps can help you make it through your trip without complications. Let’s look at how travel affects venous health and what you can do to stay healthy.

How travel affects vein health

Long-distance travel can negatively affect your circulatory system, especially in your lower extremities. Staying seated for long periods of time makes it difficult for the veins in the legs to send blood back to the heart. This pressure buildup on the veins causes circulation to slow and blood to pool in the lower leg, potentially leading to vein disorders.

Deep vein thrombosis is one of the more serious complications that can occur when traveling for long periods of time. DVT happens when a group of blood cells form a clot in a vein deep inside the body. The clot can appear in any vein in the leg and often has no symptoms. If the clot happens to break away, it can travel to your lungs leading to a pulmonary embolism.

People suffering from varicose veins are at higher risk of deep vein thrombosis because blood circulation is already compromised. People with varicose veins need to understand their risks of traveling and speak with their physician before doing so.

Ways to protect your veins

For those suffering from venous problems there are ways to lower the risks when traveling. Here are a few ways to keep your veins healthy when traveling this holiday season.

Use compression stockings

Compression stockings help promote blood flow in your legs while traveling. Compression stockings work by applying gradient pressure to the calf muscles which help counteract the effects of slow circulation.

Compression stockings put pressure on the bottom of the leg while gradually easing the pressure at it moves up to the top of the calf. The stockings compress the veins on the surface of the skin and force the blood to flow more smoothly through them. While you can purchase compression stockings at any drug store, it is best to speak with a physician so you can be fitted properly.

Keep moving

Inactivity is the key reason traveling is difficult on the veins. Remain active as much as possible while traveling to help protect your veins. If you are in an airplane, stand up every couple of hours and walk up and down the aisle, when allowed. Leave the area in front of your seat baggage free so can stretch your legs as much as possible. Also do bending and stretching movements to help with blood flow.

When riding in a car keep your legs stretched out as much as you can. Take frequent breaks to get out of the car and stretch your legs. You don’t need to take a bunch of extra stops, just when you get gas or grab a bite to eat make sure you walk around for a bit before getting back in the car.
Drink plenty of fluids

Staying hydrated is always important when traveling and is even more important when traveling by airplane. Drinking plenty of water when flying keeps the blood from thickening. Slow blood flow happens during long periods of inactivity. Stay away from caffeine and alcohol as these will deplete your hydration levels even more.

Following these steps while traveling will help keep your blood flowing smoothly. Remember to drink plenty of water, wear compression stockings if necessary and move as much as possible to promote healthy venous activity while traveling. When dealing with vein issues always consult your personal physician before traveling long distances.

Dr. Lawrence Presant is the chief medical officer at Arizona Vein Specialists in Phoenix, azveindoctor.com. He is a doctor of osteopathic medicine, general surgeon by training and a certified diplomat of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.