Whether you’re thinking about traveling for vacation or for business, you may be concerned about the effects of traveling on your varicose veins or spider veins. The problem with most forms of travel including flying, taking a train, or driving is that there are typically extended periods of standing and sitting. Maintaining a static position for prolonged periods of time reduces the blood flow in the body and can increase the chances of clotting.
The concern of many who fly is the risk factor for developing DVT or deep vein thrombosis since both DVT and varicose veins are conditions that affect vein health. DVT is a blood clot that forms within a deep leg vein and can become life threatening if it dislodges and travels to the lungs.
During a flight, changes in cabin pressure could encourage blot clots to dislodge. However, you can consult a specialist vein doctor who can evaluate your varicose veins to determine if they’re symptomatic of DVT in order to reduce the risks. In addition, this evaluation could be especially important during pregnancy or when on oral contraceptives as these are additional risk factors.
While varicose veins may increase your risk of developing DVT, the chances are still very low, particularly if measures are taken throughout the flight to reduce the risk. These may include items, such as changing positions frequently, wearing compression stocking and loose clothing, which a varicose vein specialist can advise.
If you are concerned about the effects of traveling on your varicose veins or spider veins, and how they might impact your life and health, you can easily have them treated and removed. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg or thigh. This can be life threatening as the clot can break off, moving through the bloodstream and eventually blocking the blood flow in an artery in the lungs. This condition is known as a pulmonary embolism.
It is possible that a person with deep vein thrombosis may have no symptoms at all. However, there are five common signs to of DVT that could indicate this serious condition:
If these symptoms appear, it’s vital to contact a varicose vein specialist immediately. A specialist vein doctor can use advanced duplex ultrasound technology to diagnose deep vein thrombosis. This non-invasive diagnostic technique takes less than 15 minutes and can be completed in the physician’s office.
Some of the risk factors for developing DVT include venous insufficiency in the lower extremities, varicose veins, obesity, and family history among others. Therefore, treating varicose veins and spider veins before more serious complications can occur is advisable.
For those who are experiencing varicose or spider veins and who would like a non-surgical option, there are two highly-effective treatments to consider, endovenous laser ablation and sclerotherapy for varicose veins that may help to prevent more serious complications such as DVT.
These gentle yet effective therapies are typically completed in the office, in just minutes per leg. There’s minimal discomfort, and most treatments are characterized as being virtually painless. Because no scalpels or sutures are utilized in either treatment, there are no long-lasting scars or keloids and with these modern therapies, most people can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment. Additionally, most major health insurance carriers provide coverage for the treatment of vein disease and venous insufficiency when medically necessary.
If you would like more information regarding traveling and DVT risks or about laser surgery for varicose veins, please contact the Goldman Vein Institute today at one of our two convenient locations:
Jupiter 561-625-9853 or Wellington 561-790-4550 or visit us at www.goldmanveininstitute.com.
At the Goldman Vein Institute, our mission is to provide our patients with comprehensive care for varicose veins, spider veins, and other conditions caused by venous insufficiency. Our highly-qualified and experienced, board-certified vein specialists, Dr. Goldman and Dr. Varghese-Goldman, combine their extensive knowledge and experience, with the latest innovations in vein treatments.
With our offices in Jupiter and Wellington Florida, the Goldman Vein Institute serves patients from Stuart, Hobe Sound, Tequesta, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Hialeah, Sunny Isles, Bay Harbor, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, Aventura, Surfside, Hallandale, and Hollywood, and we welcome patients across South Florida to visit our state-of-the-art vein centers, where we provide the latest in vein treatment technology.
