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 struggle with uncomfortable and aching legs, it may be helpful to avoid a few triggers that can make a bad situation worse...especially during travel days. We suggest avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and tight clothing.
Walk when possible: Where you have an opportunity, work in opportunities to walk. If you’re driving, stop at regular intervals to walk. Walk around the airport while you’re waiting for your flight and when during flight, as airline attendants tell you it’s safe to do so, get up and walk the aisle for a few minutes every hour or so. If you can’t get up to stand, try a few seated exercises like rolling your ankles, wiggling your toes, and bending and straightening your legs. Repeat every hour or so if needed.
Pack helpful snacks: Certain foods are noted for reducing inflammation and low in sodium. Of the types of foods that travel well, we suggest nuts, fruits and vegetables. You can prepare these at home prior to leaving. In a car, a small travel cooler works well for keeping them fresh.
Avoid excess salt: Fast food, salty snacks and restaurant food are prepared for taste, not health. If you get a salt load, it takes 3-4 days to get salt processed out of your system. You’ll be bloated, uncomfortable and swollen for a couple of days, so be aware of how much salt you’re consuming.
Stay hydrated: We can’t emphasize enough the value of water to our health. Avoiding sodas and sugary fruit drinks can go a long way to giving your body what it needs to stay healthy. Proper hydration helps regulate blood flow..and having to get up frequently to use the restroom keeps you walking!
Wear your compression stockings: This is especially important when flying and the cabin pressure changes throughout the flight. We recommend 20-30mmhg, and that you wear them during the duration of travel. Try them a few days prior to make sure they’re comfortable. If you’re traveling for 8 hrs or longer...you may find that the open-toe style is easier on your feet.
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!
