Navigating Holiday Travel with Vein Issues
There’s nothing quite like traveling for the holidays. Whether you’re heading home to see loved ones or taking your own family on a much-needed vacation, the excitement for the destination dwarfs the stress of the journey, helping you look past those long flights or road trips.
Well, almost.
If you’re dealing with vein disorders, such as venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis, you’ve got more weighing on your mind this holiday season than Black Friday sales and interstate traffic jams. Long periods of time spent sitting in cramped planes and cars can be annoying, painful, and even dangerous for those with vein conditions. But this year, you can travel more comfortably: Anderson Heart & Vascular Vein & Wellness Center is here to help you through holiday travel with these tips.
STAY HYDRATED.
It can be tempting to drink less water as you’re traveling – after all, who wants to stop at a rest area or squeeze into a tiny airplane bathroom any more than they have to? But staying hydrated is an easy way to keep your body healthy, as dehydration can cause your vein walls to narrow and cause constipation, both stressing your venous system. Additionally, avoid caffeine and alcohol the night before or even at the airport, as they can increase your risk of blood clots and cause dehydration.
DRESS COMFORTABLY…
Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is the way to go! While it not only is more comfortable for those long stretches of travel, it also is more conducive to a steady blood flow. Tighter clothes can cut off blood flow and restrict your arms or legs, making those veins work harder and causing discomfort. Try to keep any tight or heavy clothes packed in your luggage (we know – easier said than done!) to maximize both comfort and circulation.
…BUT WEAR COMPRESSION SOCKS
The exception to the rule is perhaps the most important part of your outfit: compression socks. Good-quality compression socks keep blood flowing around your ankles and legs, so wearing them while traveling can minimize your risk of fluid retention, blood clots, or even just basic swelling. Anderson Heart & Vascular is one of the only places here in Anderson, SC, that measures and fits compression socks just for you, so you can rest assured you have a custom-made solution for your needs. At a reasonable price point, tailored compression socks from Anderson Heart & Vascular are a much better solution than off-the-rack socks.
GET UP AND MOVE.
Even for those without venous insufficiency, it’s important to get up and move around frequently while you’re on a long trip. If you’re on a plane, get up and walk around the cabin at least every two hours, if not more often. Though there’s less of a need for this on shorter flights – say, an hour or less – cross-country or international flights offer plenty of time to get up and active. If you’re riding in a car, it’s even easier: make sure everyone gets out and stretches their legs whenever you stop to get gas or eat a meal.
AVOID CROSSING YOUR LEGS.
It can be hard to get comfortable in small seats, especially for a long time, but try to avoid crossing your legs – at least for long periods of time. Crossing your legs can restrict blood flow in your legs and ankles. Instead, try to perform some seated exercises. Rotate your ankles, flex your feet, do calf raises, or even elevate your legs if you have space.
While these tips can help alleviate symptoms of vein disorders and reduce pain while traveling, they aren’t long-term solutions. If you’re dealing with venous insufficiency, reduced circulation, deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, or other vascular disorders, you should consult a vascular expert immediately. At AHV Vein & Wellness Center, conveniently located in Anderson, SC, we’re always accepting new patients. Our board-certified cardiovascular surgeons will work with you to build a treatment plan that’s right for your needs, whether that’s a phlebectomy, saphenous vein ablation, sclerotherapy, or a combination of these minimally invasive procedures.
Vein disorders and varicose veins can be painful and dangerous – but you don’t have to live with them! Call our office to schedule an appointment with our vascular team before you hit the road this holiday season so you can enjoy not only the happiest time of year but the healthiest.
