About 40 million Americans suffer from varicose veins, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery, and many of those women and men are dealing with painful symptoms. While symptoms can happen at any time, they tend to be worse with activity — and that can make it really difficult to enjoy exploring new places and visiting family and friends.
Laser & Varicose Vein Treatment Center is a leading provider of varicose vein treatment, providing custom treatment solutions focused on helping relieve symptoms and improve long-term vascular health. In this post, Inam Haq, MD, FACS, and Sushilkumar Samant, MD, FACS, give you the 4-1-1 on how to travel safely with varicose veins.
Your veins contain tiny valves that open and close rapidly and repeatedly, creating a “current” that keeps blood flowing back toward your lungs and heart. Varicose veins develop when some of these tiny valves stop functioning properly, allowing blood to flow backward and collect, causing the bulging, purplish appearance associated with varicose veins.
While most people associate varicose veins with older age, the truth is that they can happen at any age, and they tend to be more common among people with risk factors like:
Varicose veins also tend to occur more commonly among women, perhaps because of the effects of estrogen and progesterone on vascular health. and function.
In addition to their characteristic appearance, varicose veins cause an array of symptoms, like:
Without treatment, varicose veins can eventually lead to deep sores or ulcers that can be difficult to treat, increasing your risk of widespread infection.
Varicose veins can be uncomfortable, but most people can safely travel with just a few precautions.
First of all, if you’ll be sitting for a long time on a plane or in a car, plan to take frequent breaks to walk around and stretch your legs. Flexing your legs and moving your ankles in a circular motion while sitting keeps blood flowing, too.
Compression stockings or socks provide gentle pressure on the vessels in your lower legs, providing support for your veins and improving blood flow. These garments come in different grades of pressure, and while you can buy them over the counter, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit first with our team so we can recommend the ideal compression for your needs.
Long hours spent traveling or walking around at your destination can lead to uncomfortable swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet. Taking regular breaks to elevate your feet can help. When resting at night, use pillows to gently raise your legs to help reduce swelling more.
Your blood is mostly composed of liquid. Even mild dehydration can make blood thicker and interfere with normal circulation. Carry a water bottle with you and sip throughout the day to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol, both of which can contribute to dehydration.
Whether you’re sitting or walking, be sure to select footwear that offers plenty of room for your feet while providing adequate support for your ankles. Avoid tight shoes and shoes with pointed toes, styles that can interfere with blood flow in your feet and ankles.
Finally, if you have painful varicose veins, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with our team before heading out on your adventures. Our team can make recommendations to help you stay comfortable and avoid more serious symptoms.
One of the best ways to avoid vein discomfort when you travel or at any time is to seek treatment as soon as they become problematic. Our doctors offer multiple treatment options to support tailored care based on each patient’s needs, risk factors, symptoms, and goals.
Don’t let your varicose veins interfere with your activities or your quality of life. To learn how Laser & Varicose Vein Treatment Center can help, request an appointment online or over the phone at our locations in Staten Island’s Midland Beach or Borough Park, Brooklyn, New York, today.
