When you’re embarking on a trip, whether for work or pleasure, the last thing you need is a health issue that worsens when flying. When you have varicose veins, sitting on a plane for hours makes way for just that.
During flights, your lower extremity circulation slows down, making it harder for your leg veins to transport blood to your heart properly. Paired with varicose veins, that raises your risk for leg swelling, pain, and blood clots.
A flight that lasts four hours or longer increases your risk of the dangerous blood clot condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Thankfully, you can take steps to safeguard your health and ensure a comfortable flight.
Our expert team at Lone Star Heart and Vascular Center, located in Tomball, Texas, provides advanced treatments to ease varicose vein symptoms and stave off complications.
If you have varicose veins and a flight planned, consider the following tips.
Also known as compression socks, compression stockings keep varicose veins collapsed and empty of blood. This means better circulation and fewer overall symptoms.
Compression socks are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. We can determine your ideal option.
Hydrating drinks, such as water, herbal tea, or juice, help keep your blood more fluid. On the flipside, dehydration can thicken your blood, making vein swelling and clots more likely.
Such foods as fresh fruits and vegetables also fuel hydration. So consider taking along or purchasing fluid-rich snacks, especially if you have difficulty drinking enough water.
Physical activity is a simple and effective way to keep your blood flowing well throughout your body. Every hour or so, aim to stand up and walk around.
To encourage movement, consider keeping your carry-on items in the overhead bin. Even standing up to get a book or sweater gives your body a lift in terms of circulation.
You don’t have to stand up and walk the aisles of a plane to benefit from physical activity. When you’re seated, exercise your lower legs to ease or prevent strain on your varicose veins.
Useful exercises include lifting and then lowering your feet, moving your feet in circles, and pointing your toes for an ankle and foot stretch.
At Lone Star Heart and Vascular, we offer treatments to help ease your varicose vein and flying woes. Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend ultrasound-guided injection techniques (endovenous chemical ablation) or radiofrequency ablation.
We can also answer any questions you have and offer personalized guidance based on your overall health and the length of your upcoming flight.
To learn more about flying with varicose veins or to get started with the care you need, call our office in Tomball in the greater North Houston area today. You can also request an appointment through our website.
