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According to AAA, 34.8 million travelers will journey at least 50 miles from home this upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend. Prolonged sitting on long flights and car rides can lead to the development of blood clots in the lower legs, which cause spider and varicose veins. Being proactive is always better than treating a problem after it has already happened. Here are some tips to help prevent the problems in the first place:
1. For individuals with preexisting venous diseases that are traveling on airplanes, it is advisable to wear mild compression stockings. These stockings help prevent swelling of the legs, promote healthy blood circulation in the legs and can even protect them from DVT and prevent swelling of the legs.
2. It is extremely important to stay hydrated. Prior to traveling, make sure to drink lots of water (6-8 cups).
3. Every hour, stand up and walk up and down the aisle for few minutes
4. After walking for a few minutes, raise yourself up onto the tips of your toes up and then lower down. 10 -15 times
5. When sitting on a plane or in a car, flex and extend your feet and rotate your ankles.
6. Avoid drinking coffee
7. Wear loose-fitting clothing
8. Avoid crossing your legs.
9. Take supplements containing Vitamins C and E, which promote better circulation.
10. Taking baby aspirin a couple days prior to your trip helps makes the blood thinner and decreases your chances of having blood clots.
11. While on your trip, avoid drinking alcohol - drink only a moderate amount on your trip.
David M. Glass, MD, FACS | Vein Surgeon| Medical Director of New York Vein Center
May 23, 2023
