Veins and Travel
With spring and summer approaching, which is the travel and vacation season, more people will be spending their time of planes and sitting in cars, buses and other modes of travel. Being immobile for long periods – especially 4 hours or more – can exacerbate existing vein problems such as varicose veins, and even cause other serious health issues. If you plan on traveling this vacation season and anticipate being still for 4 hours or more, plan to take steps to protect your legs and veins during these long journeys. The following tips will show you how.
There are a couple of issues that make long journeys potentially dangerous and place you at risk for problems such as blood clots in the legs, a condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT. In some cases, the clot can break away and lodge in the lungs, possibly causing death. Part of this is simply being immobile, but dehydration is also a factor and can compound the risk you face by not moving around much during the trip. That is why it’s especially important to drink plenty of fluids – plain water is fine – when you’re traveling. Also, drink plenty of fluids the night before your trip, and avoid alcohol, diuretics and anything with caffeine. For an extra boost, drink electrolyte drinks.
If you’re setting off on a journey that will require you to sit for several hours at a time, consider what you can do to decrease the potential strain on your legs, veins, and other parts of your body. One of the easiest and most effective strategies is simply wearing compression stockings. Compression stockings are snug-fitting stockings that are available is light to medium pressure and from knee-high to thigh-high. Be careful with the knee-high stockings, because they themselves in rare situations can be the reason for creating DVT. The stockings work by squeezing your legs gently to ensure that blood continues to flow up the legs as it should even when you’re sitting for extended periods and not moving around much. They’re helpful for preventing DVT, especially if you’re at increased risk for it, and for offering relief from the symptoms of varicose veins. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing that won’t interfere with your circulation.
Before you head off on your next trip, consult a physician for a thorough check-up to ensure you’re healthy enough for travel. Your doctor can also help you prepare for long trips so that you don’t experience the kinds of complications that are common when spending hours in a car or on a plane. At Alpha Vein Clinic, we’re the experts when it comes to diagnosing and treating vein problems, and we can help you ensure that you stay healthy on your next vacation so you can enjoy your travels.
Alpha Vein Clinic
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661
Dr. Sassan Kaveh
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