If you’ve ever wondered why travel is so stressful, here’s one reason why: whether you have venous veins or not, long-distance travel of four hours or more puts you at risk for blood clots. Your body isn’t meant to be confined and motionless for hours at a time. So the discomfort you feel is real. So is the danger, whether you travel by:
When you have venous disease, your risk for blood clots is even higher than average. Your risk for discomfort certainly is. But by preplanning your trip and adhering to that plan, you can minimize your risk and maximize your comfort.
At Laurelton Heart Specialists, our expert cardiologist, Dr. Ola Akinboboye, recommends including movement plans when you make travel plans. We also offer treatments — including varicose vein removal — at our office in Rosedale, Queens, New York.
How can you better manage long-haul travel with venous disease, including varicose veins? Follow these tips.
When you’re the driver on a long trip, be sure to stop every hour or so to stretch your legs. Taking a short stroll gets your circulation moving and gives your mind a break from the monotony of the road, too.
Even when you’re confined in another's space — such as being a passenger in a car, train, plane, or bus — you should give yourself plenty of movement “snacks.” Planes and trains usually have times when you can move around freely, strolling the aisles.
Bathrooms in buses, planes, and trains also allow you some private stretching time. Reach your hands up to the ceiling, then down to the floor.
If you can’t get out of your seat or if you feel restless, do some seated exercises that increase the blood flow to your feet. The National Clot Alliance recommends:
Lift one or two feet at a time and draw circles in the air with your toes. Continue for 15 seconds. Then reverse. Repeat as often as desired.
With your feet flat on the floor, raise your toes as high as possible and hold for a few seconds. Lower your toes, then raise your heels so that your weight’s on the balls of your feet. Hold. Repeat for at least 30 seconds.
Lift your shoulders up, like you’re shrugging, then pull them back, down, and forward. Continue this circular motion for at least 30 seconds. Then repeat in reverse.
Rest your forearms on your chair arms. Keep them at a 90-degree angle as you raise one hand at a time up to your chest and down again. Repeat on the other side.
Find more stretches and movement tips at Stop the Clot. You can also help your circulation by elevating your feet on a footrest or carry-on luggage you’ve stowed beneath your seat.
Your blood is mostly water. Drink plenty of it to keep your blood flowing freely and easily.
Bring a refillable water bottle (preferably stainless steel, to minimize the risk of microplastics) whenever you travel. You may even be able to carry a personal water filter, but check with your airline first.
In addition to plain water, stay hydrated with healthy fluids and foods, such as:
Staying properly hydrated also gives you an excuse for regular bathroom breaks, which allows you to take another stroll. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Compression socks help your circulation by squeezing your legs, forcing the blood upward. They come in calf-high lengths and a variety of designs. Ask us if they’re right for you.
Dr. Akinboboye may also prescribe an anticoagulant, particularly if you’re flying. These two remedies are especially warranted if you have risk factors, such as:
You may also want to carry or wear a medical-alert necklace, bracelet, or card. The alert should include your medical conditions and any prescription medication you’re on, including anticoagulants.
Consider reducing your risk of blood clots by removing faulty veins well before your trip. Sclerotherapy and vein ablation destroy faulty veins, allowing your body to reroute blood and improve overall circulation.
Would you like to travel more comfortably this summer and reduce your risk of blood clots? Schedule a varicose vein evaluation by phoning us at 718-208-4816 or using our online outreach form today.
