Spring break and vacation season will be here before we know it, and while many of us look forward to trips away, what happens when the thought of traveling - confined to a car or airplane - makes you seriously reconsider going?! For those with a vein condition, traveling is dreadful. The discomfort from swollen legs and the inability to find relief makes you consider canceling the trip. When the thought of a “relaxing” beach over Spring Break or a long car ride for summer vacation causes anxiety, it may be time to do something. Don’t let your vein condition stop you from enjoying your travels! Here are suggestions for ways to make the journey a little less painful.
Preparing to Travel
When you are flying, try to book an early flight. This will allow for more time in the day before the triggers and symptoms start to occur. Plan on having a few activities or books to keep your mind occupied and not focused on your legs. You can download games, movies, or TV shows. Most importantly, don’t forget to pack your medications that you need for your car or plane ride.
Depending on the length of your traveling, you may be sitting for longer periods of time. It is important that you stand, stretch, or walk around when you can. If flying, it’s never a bad idea to call ahead, explain your situation, and set up an arrangement for special seating. Accommodated seating such as an aisle seat will give you more space to be comfortable and move around if needed. Finally, make sure to pack Tylenol or over-the-counter pain medication if needed toward the end of the day.
Consider your vacation plans. If you’re going to do more walking than what you are accustomed to like visiting museums or walking tours - plan ahead to wear compression stockings.
Treatment Prior to a Trip
While the invisible signs of a vein condition are the main reason people choose not to travel, there’s also the fear of wearing shorts or skirts. Due to your bulging varicose veins and discoloration from spider veins, you prefer to keep them covered. Choosing when to start treatment is up to you, but if you want beautiful legs for vacation, we suggest starting 3-6 months in advance of your trip. It takes time for unsightly veins to completely disappear after treatment.
For patients who want to travel comfortably, have more energy during the trip, not feel tired and drained at the end of the day, you may start at any time. Schedule 1 or 2 treatments in prior to departure. That will provide enough relief from your symptoms that you’ll be able to enjoy the trip more comfortably. Then, simply resume treatments when you return.
During Travel
Avoid Triggers:
If you find yourself battling with legs that are uncomfortable and ache, managing a few common triggers can significantly improve your situation, particularly during long travel days. It's beneficial to steer clear of alcohol, which can dehydrate your body and worsen the discomfort. Similarly, caffeine can lead to dehydration and increase restlessness, exacerbating leg discomfort. Additionally, wearing tight clothing can restrict blood flow, leading to increased discomfort and swelling. By avoiding these triggers, you can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with aching legs, especially when you are traveling.
Walk When Possible:
Whenever you have the chance, make an effort to walk. If you're driving, take regular breaks to stretch your legs and walk around. At the airport, use your waiting time as an opportunity to explore the terminals on foot. During flights, once the airline attendants give the all-clear, take a stroll down the aisle every hour or so. This helps to prevent stiffness and promotes circulation. If standing up isn't an option, engage in seated exercises such as rolling your ankles, wiggling your toes, and bending and straightening your legs. Repeat these movements every hour to keep your blood flowing.
Walking and doing these leg exercises are crucial because they activate the calf muscle pump, a vital mechanism that helps force blood back up the legs toward the heart. This action is especially important during long periods of inactivity, such as sitting in a car or on a plane, as it can prevent blood from pooling in your legs, reducing the risk of clots and enhancing overall circulation. Activating the calf muscle pump through these simple exercises ensures that your blood continues to circulate efficiently, contributing to your cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Embracing these habits not only keeps you healthier but also makes long-distance travel more comfortable and safer.
Pack Helpful Snacks:
Certain foods are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their low sodium content, making them ideal for maintaining a healthy diet. Among the variety of foods that are convenient for travel, we highly recommend nuts, fruits, and vegetables due to their nutritional benefits and ease of preparation. These can be prepared in advance at home, ensuring you have healthy options readily available. When traveling by car, investing in a small travel cooler is a smart choice. It keeps these nutritious snacks fresh and accessible, making it easier to stick to healthy eating habits even while on the move. This approach not only contributes to better overall health but also adds a level of convenience and enjoyment to your travels.
Avoid Excess Salt:
Fast food, salty snacks, and restaurant food are all designed to be irresistibly tasty rather than healthy. These options typically come with a heavy dose of salt, which is not easily processed by the body. If you consume a large amount of salt, expect it to take 3-4 days for your body to fully eliminate it. During this time, you'll likely experience bloating, discomfort, and noticeable swelling, which can be quite unpleasant. Therefore, it's important to be mindful of your salt intake and consider the potential effects on your body before indulging in these foods.
Stay Hydrated:
The importance of water to our health simply cannot be overstated. Ditching sodas and sugary fruit drinks in favor of water can significantly contribute to providing your body with the essential hydration it needs to maintain optimal health. Water plays a critical role in regulating body temperature, ensuring that blood flow is maintained at a healthy level. Moreover, the act of drinking enough water to prompt regular trips to the restroom has an added benefit: it keeps you moving, adding a bit of physical activity to your daily routine. This subtle form of exercise can enhance your overall well-being by keeping your muscles engaged and promoting circulation.
Wear Compression Stockings:
This becomes particularly crucial while flying, as cabin pressure experiences fluctuations throughout the flight, impacting your comfort and health. We recommend compression socks with a pressure range of 20-30mmHg, advising that you wear them for the entire duration of your travel to maximize benefits. To ensure they fit well and are comfortable, it's a good idea to try them on a few days before your trip. This allows any adjustments if needed. For those embarking on journeys of 8 hours or more, you might discover that the open-toe style offers additional comfort, making it easier on your feet over long periods. Wearing the right compression socks can significantly enhance your flying experience, reducing discomfort and promoting better circulation.
Traveling with a vein condition isn’t always ideal, but there are ways to make you more comfortable on your car or plane ride. Bottom line, a vein condition is never a good reason for canceling a trip. Go ahead and book your vacation and pack your shorts...then call us to help you make the trip as enjoyable as possible.
Safe Travels!
