Can I fly with varicose veins? Discover how to keep your legs healthy while travelling and learn valuable tips to prevent varicose veins from dampening your wanderlust.
“I paid for a pre-travel assessment with Michael Gaunt, it was the best money I spent”
Concerned about managing leg cramps and varicose veins? From long flights to scenic hikes, we’ve got you covered. Read our blog now and start planning your next journey with peace of mind!
Photo: Lia-Stepanov
Work life balance
So many of us are setting out on new adventures as we regain our work life balance, working remotely or retiring early. The zest for life is multi-generational with retirement no longer seen as an opportunity to slow-down. Baby boomers are into self-care, active holidays, cultural tours, luxury stays and cruises, they are no longer the stay-at-home generation. Far from it.
“Nothing beats the feeling of freedom and the opportunity to see the world”
Embracing adventure at any age!
Getting older doesn’t mean slowing down. In fact, it can be the perfect time to embrace new adventures and experiences. Whether it’s trekking through the Amazon rainforest, exploring ancient ruins in Greece, or simply relaxing on a pristine beach in the Caribbean, the world is yours to discover.
Now you can plan longer trips, take spontaneous getaways, or pursue hobbies and interests that align with your travel aspirations.
Prioritising Vascular Health
While the allure of travel is undeniable, it’s crucial to pay attention to your vascular health, especially as you age. Vascular conditions, such as varicose veins, can affect individuals of any age but become more prevalent as you get older. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear blue or dark purple and can cause discomfort, swelling, and aching in the legs.
“I was anxious about flying with painful, lumpy varicose veins”
Photo: Before and after varicose vein treatment by Mr Michael Gaunt
Varicose veins signs and symptoms
Bulging, twisted faulty veins in the lower leg and ankles, allowing blood to travel in the wrong direction.
Raised bulging veins on skin
Swollen feet and ankles
Aching, heavy legs
Muscle cramps, twitching in your legs
Red or darkened skin over the affected area
Blue veins under the skin surface
Tips for travelling with varicose veins
Long hours of sitting during flights or car rides, coupled with dehydration and changes in altitude, can exacerbate vascular issues. Prolonged inactivity can increase the risks of developing DVT, deep vein thrombosis. Therefore, it’s essential to take pro-active steps to care for your vascular health while travelling.
Travelling with varicose veins top tips:
Stay Active: Incorporate regular movement into your travel itinerary. Take breaks during long journeys to stretch your legs, go for short walks, or engage in low-impact exercises like yoga or swimming.
Hydrate: Proper hydration is vital for maintaining healthy blood circulation. Drink plenty of water, especially during flights or in hot climates, to prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Wear Compression Socks: Compression socks can help improve circulation and alleviate symptoms associated with varicose veins. Wear them during long flights or extended periods of sitting to minimize discomfort and swelling in your legs.
Elevate Your Legs: Whenever possible, elevate your legs to reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Use pillows or footrests to prop up your legs while resting, whether you’re on a plane, train, or in your hotel room.
Choose Comfortable Footwear: Opt for shoes with good arch support and cushioning to minimize strain on your feet and legs. Avoid high heels or tight-fitting shoes, as they can exacerbate circulation issues and contribute to discomfort.
Practise Healthy Habits: Maintain a balanced diet, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid smoking, as these lifestyle factors can impact vascular health. Incorporate nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into your meals to support overall wellbeing.
Pre-travel varicose vein and vascular health assessment
Contact Mr Michael Gaunt, consultant vascular surgeon, for an in-depth review of your varicose veins and vascular health. He will personally answer your concerns, examine your legs, perform a Duplex ultrasound scan and organise a bespoke treatment plan and varicose vein surgery if needed.
Going on holiday when you have painful varicose veins?
Are you planning a holiday, but are worried about long distance travel with varicose veins? Share your experience:
Book a consultation> Call 01223 305858 and Mr Gaunt’s administrative team will book a consultation for you.
Why am I susceptible to varicose veins during pregnancy?
Many women first notice varicose veins during pregnancy, when significant weight fluctuations and hormone changes impact on the development and symptoms of varicose veins. Unfortunately, broken veins and spider veins may also develop, with some mothers-to-be experiencing uncomfortable swollen ankles and suffering from poor circulation.
With the increase of blood during pregnancy, progesterone levels rise, prompting the walls of your blood vessels to relax. Your body has to work harder to return blood back to your heart, significantly increasing the risks of developing varicose veins in your legs.
Will varicose veins affect my pregnancy?
The good news is that varicose veins do not affect your baby and most certainly do not put your unborn child at risk. However, they can be troublesome, with on-going symptoms, often worse at night and increasing as the pregnancy reaches full term.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by weaknesses in veins’ valves which prevent blood flowing properly between each of the vessels. If a one-way valve fails, the blood refluxes and gets stored in the veins near the surface of the skin. This makes the vein expand, causing it to twist and protrude, presenting as a lumpy raised vein, either deep blue or red in appearance.
Top symptoms of varicose veins
Aching or heavy feeling in your legs
Painful throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs
Swollen ankles
Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
Restless legs, especially at night
Persistent leg itching
Skin discolouration around the ankles
How can I reduce varicose vein discomfort?
Move around as much as possible and take frequent breaks if you have to stand or sit for long periods of time
Wear maternity support or compression tights
What varicose vein treatments are available?
Successful treatment depends on careful pre-operative assessment. Reviewing visible swollen veins are just the tip of the iceberg. Mr Michael Gaunt assesses the underlying vascular condition before deciding upon the most suitable treatment for each patient.
“I perform a full diagnostic assessment with a Duplex ultrasound scan to identify the problematic veins and underlying problem before recommending the best procedure and treatment plan for you”
As one of the most experienced and respected surgeons in the UK, Michael Gaunt takes pride in delivering the highest quality of award-winning patient service and he specialises in minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins using:
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
VNUS Closure
ClariVein
Sclerotherapy
Microsclerotherapy
VeinWave
Recommended after the birth, these procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic as walk in / walk out treatments, allowing you time to enjoy your new family with little impact on your busy lifestyle.
To learn more or to book an appointment with Mr Michael Gaunt call his specialist team on 01223 305858
Don’t neglect your legs! Consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt is no stranger to treating Varicose and Thread Veins that impact on active lifestyles and sporting performance.
There’s no doubt feeling good and looking good certainly go hand in hand. Whether you are keen to maintain intensive aerobic sports or enjoy low impact exercise, such as swimming and yoga, Michael Gaunt can help improve your vascular health and wellbeing. Exercise is of primary importance to maintain a healthy lifestyle and has beneficial effects on varicose veins supporting good blood flow.
Michael Gaunt specialises in the treatment of varicose, thread and facial spider veins and is one of the most experienced and respected surgeons in the UK. He performs personal and minimally invasive treatment of veins using Endovenous Laser ablation (EVLA), VNUS Closure and ClariVein. He also performs ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy and VeinWave techniques.
“Many of my sporting patients complain of heavy and tired legs. They’ve often noticed a gradual decline in their performance, taking longer to recover after training”
Varicose veins are not commonly thought of as a condition that can affect sporting performance but they can. Veins are responsible for removing the waste products of muscle metabolism, such as lactic acid, out of the legs. Varicose veins are veins that are not working properly. Varicose veins impair the function of the normal veins in the legs.
Treating varicose veins immediately improves the venous function of the leg, advancing the clearance of toxic waste products and naturally helps to improve activity.
“I have successfully performed over 4000 minimally invasive techniques with amazing results. People are back on their feet immediately”
Stay Active
Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is something we all strive to do yet many of us neglect our varicose veins. The condition can be painful and if untreated can lead to leg swelling, pigmentation of the skin of the lower leg and ulcers. Unsightly varicose veins may affect your confidence. Many patients complain of having to cover up during the summer months.
The truth is, even athletes and active people can have varicose and spider veins. There are many variations of varicose veins and it’s always worth getting a personal consultation to access what your treatment options are. Proper vascular assessment is necessary prior to treatment to exclude any underlying conditions.
“Recent advances mean that the underlying causes of varicose and spider veins may be easily identified and the correct personalised treatment plan offered”
Book a consultation and receive Michael Gaunt’s expert opinion and a tailored treatment plan including information on treatment options available.
“I was surprised at how easy it was to get my varicose veins treated. I made a local appointment and had a personal consultation followed by successful treatment with Michael Gaunt”
Consultations with Michael Gaunt are available at Harley Street London, BMI Bury St. Edmunds, Spire Norwich, Nuffield Health Cambridge or Spire Lea Cambridge . 01223 305858.
