Be Aware of Blood Clot Risk with Varicose Veins During Long Flights

During the holiday season, when people tend towards longer flights, you should be aware of leg swelling, pain and shortness of breath that can occur after your trip.

It is well known that prolonged inactivity can predispose even healthy legs to poor flow in the veins, leading to clots. Sitting in a cramped coach class seat for hours compounds the problem. When patients have varicose veins, this risk of clotting is increased even further, as the flow in the large skin veins is sluggish and often in a reverse direction. 

That is why treatment of varicose veins is medically indicated when they cause symptoms of leg aches, swelling, fatigue, restless legs, etc. Treatment is recognized by medical insurers as medically necessary and not cosmetic. The procedures are all office-based and performed under local anesthesia, with immediate recovery. VNUS Closure, Clarivein and phlebectomy are common procedures.

To help reduce risk when flying, be sure to get up and walk the aisle every few hours, use support hose to encourage normal vein flow, and be aware that symptoms of leg swelling or pain after your travel may indicate the need for medical evaluation and ultrasound to ensure you do not have a blood clot.
If you have questions or concerns about your varicose veins, feel free to visit our website (www.mycvl.com) for more information.