If traveling isn’t stressful enough, imagine adding varicose veins and blood clots into the mix. Besides the long lines, delayed departures, loud passengers, and early wake up times, travel can do some harm to the veins. When you’re seated in a plane, your legs are immobile for a good period, which slows circulation. Along with airplanes, cars, buses, and trains can also put a person a risk for developing varicose veins or blood clots.

When you aren’t moving the body, circulation slows down, and your legs can become swollen, achy, and be prone to blood clot development known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Below, we share some tips with you to decrease your chances of developing varicose veins or DVT during your next trip.

1. Get up and move as often as you can. Whether you walk to the bathroom on a plane or bus or pull over at a rest top in your car, get up and get moving. Choose seating that will give you the most legroom to spread out, so you have more room to move your legs and keep them from being kept in one position.
2. Stay hydrated to keep the blood thin and opt for water. It’s ok to have one or two glasses of alcohol or sugary drinks but limit your consumption, because these drinks can actually lead to dehydration.
3. Wear loose-fitted clothing that isn’t restricting the blood flow in your legs or waist.
4. Purchase compression stockings to alleviate any discomfort you have from a current vein disorder.
5. Avoid crossing your legs for long periods of time while seated. Crossing one’s legs can lead to blood circulation being cut off in the legs.
6. Flex your feet, rotate your ankles, and move your legs in your seat.
7. If you have a history of DVT or at high risk for DVT, tell your doctor that you’re traveling. You may be put on blood-thinner medication during your travel time. This medication will keep your blood from developing a clot and prevent any clots you may have now from growing.

Book an Appointment with a Vein Specialist in Tampa

If you think you are suffering from a potential venous deficiency, it’s time to book an appointment with a vein specialist! Dr. Peter Mikhail is a vein specialist based in New Port Richey, Florida. He also treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater areas. If you would like to book a consult, click here or call 727-312-4844.

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