Vein Care During Holiday Travel

Travel Advice for Patients With Vein Conditions

There’s no place like home for the holidays — but if you’re flying there or taking a long road trip with a vein condition, it’s important to know how prolonged travel can affect your vascular health. Keep these tips in mind before you make the final boarding call.

How Travel Affects Your Vascular Health

While it’s true that a quick drive to grandma’s or a quick flight may not be cause for worry — longer travel plans could be an issue for patients with vein issues. This is because sitting in the same cramped position for hours is not ideal for proper blood flow.

Varicose vein symptoms are very likely to increase during long flights and long car rides, especially the likelihood of developing a blood clot. Patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are at even greater risk, as these deep vein clots can travel through your bloodstream and make their way to your pulmonary artery.

Flying Following Vein Surgery

Remember, you may resume most normal activities within three to four days after your vein surgery without harming yourself or your leg circulation. But you should not fly any distance until after your one-week follow-up has been performed. If you do this, it could increase your chances of having a life-threatening complication.

Tips for Safe Holiday Travel

If you are traveling a far distance this holiday season, use these tips to keep your veins protected:

• Wear compression stockings.
• Drinking plenty of water before and during travel.
• Keep your legs propped up or elevated if possible.
• If you’re driving, take breaks often.
• Flex your calves to move blood throughout your leg.
• Point and flex your foot repeatedly.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Winter Vein Care

Remember that if you do have a vein condition, you should see your doctor regularly. At Albert Vein Institute, Dr. Albert offers various treatments for varicose veins, spider veins, and other venous conditions. These treatments are designed to remove unsightly bulging, knotted veins, and improve blood flow in the legs.