Is it Risky to Travel With Painful Varicose Veins?

It’s important to understand there are some risks to traveling when you have varicose veins. But if you’re careful, you can reduce the risks and enjoy the traveling experience without worry. 

While travel will never be 100% risk-free, there are a few steps you can take to negate much of the risk. Dr. David D. Shin, MD, RVT, RPVI, FACS, and the experienced team at Houston Vein Specialists in Houston, Texas, offers the following advice to make the travel season easier and safer for you if you have varicose veins. 

Limit the amount of time spent sitting

Traveling often means spending long hours in the car or on a plane, but that time spent sitting can increase your risks of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Long hours also tend to be uncomfortable when you have varicose veins, so reducing sitting time can improve trips. 

If you are traveling by car, take plenty of rest stops to get out and stretch your legs. While limiting your sitting time on a plane can be more difficult, try to get up and walk down the aisle as often as possible. 

Keep clothes loose

It can be tempting to wear tighter clothes when traveling because you want to look your best, but you should wear loose clothing if you have varicose veins. 

Tighter clothing puts extra pressure on your legs and restricts blood flow, and when combined with sitting, it is a poor combination. Even yoga pants can exacerbate varicose veins, so find some loose clothes you feel great in, and avoid tight clothes. 

Wear compression socks

If you have varicose veins, you likely already have compression socks to help control the problem. They may not look amazing, but they are crucial in fighting gravity and keeping the blood from pooling in your legs. 

Since compression socks come in different sizes and styles, ask our team what type you need for your travels to reduce discomfort.

Stay well-hydrated while traveling by air

Staying well-hydrated is important for anyone traveling by air, but it is even more important if you have varicose veins. Air travel causes your body to dehydrate faster, which makes you retain fluids. 

Fluid retention can then cause swelling, wreaking havoc upon your varicose veins. To prevent this from happening, start drinking water before you get on the plane and continue drinking water throughout the entire trip. 

All the extra liquid will make you use the bathroom more often, which has the added benefit of keeping you moving! 

If you plan on traveling with varicose veins, our team at Houston Vein Specialists can help you prepare. Contact us today or schedule an appointment online at our office in Houston, Texas.