As summer comes into full swing, many people are preparing for a host of travels, from long road trips to whatever flight takes you to the beach the fastest.
But for those with varicose veins, traveling even a short distance can be uncomfortable — or even risky. Travel means a lot of prolonged sitting or standing, which can lead to increased pressure in your veins, swelling, pain, and even the potential for serious complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
We’ve vein specialists in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. In our work, we’ve helped people from across the country manage their vein issues and prepare for travel.
Today, we’re going to share some of our best tips for traveling comfortably with varicose veins — and how you can get rid of varicose vein problems forever.
Stay Hydrated
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent vein issues during travel is to stay well-hydrated.
This is good advice for travel in general, but it’s especially important for people with vein issues, as being well-hydrated can improve your circulation.
In order to make sure that you’re as hydrated as possible, you might want to consider carrying around a reusable water bottle and limiting the amount of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages you consume, as they can dehydrate you.
Dress for Comfort
While many consider how to hide varicose veins with what they wear, it’s important to note that clothing can have an impact on your comfort level when it comes to varicose veins.
If you’re planning to travel, opt for loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t restrict blood flow, especially around your waist and legs. You can also look into compression stockings, which many with varicose veins say increases their comfort level.
Move Regularly
Being stuck in one place for a long period of time is one of the biggest challenges of travel. Whether you’re on a plane, train, or car, your goal should be to move every 30-60 minutes.
If you’re on a plane, this can mean walking up and down the aisle when it’s safe to do so. On road trips, you can plan for regular stops where you can move around, and on trains, you can take advantage of the additional space by walking around.
Even small movements, such as flexing your feet, wiggling your toes, or rotating your ankles, can help keep blood flowing. Once you’ve reached your destination, you might also want to incorporate more involved exercises, such as walking, running, or a sport.
Elevate Your Legs
This one is a little more difficult, but if possible, you should aim to elevate your legs while traveling.
This may not be possible on a plane, but on a train or in a car, you might be able to achieve some leg elevation by reclining your seat and using a pillow or travel footrest.
Pack Healthy Snacks
Diet plays a crucial role in vein health. For example, salty foods can cause water retention, which may lead to swelling in your legs.
Instead, carry healthy, low-sodium snacks like fruits, nuts, and whole-grain crackers. These will allow you to feel energized without contributing to bloating or general discomfort.
Manage Stress Levels
While many of us travel to relax, we all know that travel can bring a host of additional stresses. Stress can exacerbate varicose vein symptoms by increasing blood pressure and causing muscle tension — so, for your vein health, you should try to limit stress as much as possible.
Practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or listening to calming music during your journey. Doing this or similar activities can help you stay relaxed and comfortable.
Book Smart
There are steps that you can take ahead of your trip to improve your vein comfort.
For example, if you’re flying, you might want to consider an aisle seat to make it easier to get up and move around. On a train, you should look for a seat with ample leg room, and if your travels have you riding a bus, you might want to sit near the front where vibrations are often less pronounced, reducing discomfort.
How Do I Get Rid of Varicose Vein Problems for Good?
If all of these preparations sound like too much work, there’s a long-term solution that can solve your current vein problems forever.
Vein treatment can relieve you of discomfort almost immediately. Our procedures are quick, low-pain, and allow most patients to return to their everyday lives on the very same day.
If you’re interested in booking vein treatment, get in contact with us today to schedule a consultation.