Is It Dangerous to Travel Long Distances with Painful Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins affect a wide swath of Americans. Up to 20% of the population may develop this vein disorder at some point in their lives, according to estimates published by the National Library of Medicine (NLM). 

The varicose vein specialists at Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins in Miami, Florida, can easily diagnose and treat your vein issues and symptoms under the leadership of vascular medicine expert Dr. Enrique Hernandez. 

Often, varicose veins are simply a cosmetic problem, but they can also point to deeper vein issues. Symptoms include itchiness, heaviness, discoloration, and pain. Sometimes, painful varicose veins could put you at risk as you travel. 

Varicose vein basics

Understanding the reasons why varicose veins form helps you to follow the dangers of leaving veins untreated, as well as explain why travel can become potentially dangerous because of this. 

Veins become varicose in response to venous failure, a condition where valves within the vein begin to allow the backward flow of blood. Normally, these valves allow only movement toward the heart and lungs. 

As valves fail, blood pools below the problem valves, pressing on vein walls. This effect is most obvious in the feet, ankles, and legs, since blood must work against gravity to return to the heart. You may also notice swelling of the lower legs and ankles. 

Downward force contributes to pressure on vein walls, causing valve failure, which then further increases pressure inside problem veins. 

This causes the characteristic appearance of varicose veins. Twisted, gnarly, and dark blue or purple veins near the surface are easy to see through the skin. 

There’s little connection between varicose veins' appearance and other symptoms, like pain, feelings of heaviness, and itchy or tight skin. You can experience signs and symptoms with or without visible veins or their milder cousins, called spider veins. 

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Sometimes, superficial varicose veins may be accompanied by varicosity elsewhere in your body, including deep veins in your legs. These are too far from the skin’s surface to show. 

Deep varicose veins may develop clots, also called thromboses, in areas where blood pools. When in place in your legs, these clots may not be a problem, but when a DVT breaks loose and travels to your lungs, you could develop a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening event. 

Why long-distance travel is dangerous

Long-distance travel can irritate veins and cause additional swelling, particularly air travel, where you may not have the opportunity to walk around. Walking assists the pumping of blood upward through your legs. 

While developing dangerous DVT during travel isn’t a common occurrence, your risk increases if you have untreated varicose veins. If you’re facing an upcoming long-haul flight, consider a visit to Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins. 

We review your history and give you a thorough examination to assess the travel risk that you face. Request an appointment online or by phone with either of our Miami offices today.