Throbbing Varicose Veins and Leg Pain: Is Long-Distance Travel Safe?

Varicose veins are common, and if you have them, you may have become so used to them that you don’t think much about how they can impact your circulatory health. Travel, especially air travel, can increase your risk of serious outcomes if you have varicose veins. 

The team at Heart and Vascular Care in Plano, Texas, understands the importance of downtime and offers the following information to help you enjoy your summer safely.  Bhupinder Singh, MD, and Nanveet Singh, PA-C, are always here to help if you have any questions about varicose vein treatment. 

Varicose veins are non-functional blood vessels

Arteries move oxygenated blood throughout your body, and that movement is powered by your heartbeats. Your veins work to transport deoxygenated blood back to your heart. Not only do veins not have the benefit of a heartbeat, but they are also usually working to move blood against the force of gravity. 

Veins have a series of tiny valves that prevent blood from flowing backward and pooling up within the vein. When one or more of these valves is damaged, blood can accumulate, preventing further blood flow from the heart. 

This creates varicose veins, which appear as large, bulging, twisted veins visible through the skin’s surface. Most commonly found on the legs, varicose veins can be dark red, blue, or purple, and sometimes take on a twisted appearance. 

Varicose veins can increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot that develops in a vein deeper inside your body. If you develop a blood clot that breaks free and travels to your lungs, you could experience a pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a life-threatening condition. 

How does travel increase risk levels?

Any prolonged period spent sitting or standing in one place can worsen varicose veins and increase your risk of the serious outcomes mentioned above. Air travel not only requires long periods of sitting with limited mobility, but it also involves changes in cabin pressure and altitude. 

These changes can limit your circulation and increase pressure within your veins. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your risk of DVT and PE while traveling by air. 

When traveling by car, your risk levels are lower because you have more opportunities to stop and take breaks, and there are no substantial or rapid changes in air pressure or altitude.   

These steps can keep your circulatory system healthy while flying

One of the most important ways to avoid vein problems while flying begins before you even arrive at the airport. Be sure to stay properly hydrated before, during, and after your flight. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain the right level of blood fluid, promoting healthy blood flow. You’ll also have the added benefit of easier bowel movements and avoid the circulatory risks linked to constipation. 

It’s also essential to stay moving during your flight. There’s nothing wrong with taking a short nap or enjoying the onboard entertainment, but sitting still for too long is not good for your vascular health. 

Take periodic breaks to stand up and walk up and down the aisle. Be aware of the flight attendants’ cart service so you don’t get in the way, and take advantage of times when the seatbelt signs are not illuminated. While seated, shifting your seating position occasionally is also helpful. 

Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing while flying. Tight clothing restricts circulation, which can cause complications with varicose veins. That said, wearing compression socks or stockings is a great way to help prevent blood clots from forming. They also help with aching, swelling, and throbbing in your legs.

Enjoy these fleeting summer months

At Heart and Vascular Care, we understand that summer tends to come and go swiftly, and that most people have limited vacation time. We hope these tips help you enjoy your summer travel plans. If you’d ever like to explore treatment options that can permanently eliminate throbbing varicose veins, we'd be happy to sit down with you to discuss them.