Exploring unfamiliar cities and foreign countries, meeting new people, experiencing adventures... Traveling is amazing! But if the destination is far away, a long journey by plane, train, bus, or car is required. This is a challenge even for healthy veins, yet more risky for vein weaknesses. But don’t let that put you off discovering the world! If you bear some small details in mind, you will be able to fully enjoy a carefree vacation.
Why is traveling tough on your veins?
As you may already know, during movement, the muscles in your legs ensure that your veins can work properly. If you sit down for extended periods, this support is missing. This applies particularly to planes, trains, and cars where you spend many hours in a confined space with your legs bunched up. Blood is transported toward the heart more slowly then. In some cases, it cannot flow properly at all.
Add to that dehydration. Usually, air in a plane or a car with air-conditioning is quite dry. If you haven’t had much to drink, your blood can become thicker, which puts additional strain on your veins. Traveling in high temperatures can also worsen vein problems because the vessels expand in the heat, making it harder for the venous valves to close properly. The result: heavy legs after a flight or a long journey.
Please don’t treat these risks lightly. Without countermeasures – particularly with an existing vein weakness – there can be further complications, from swollen legs (edema) to deep vein thrombosis. In this condition, a blood vessel is partly or fully clogged with a blood clot, which, in the worst-case scenario, can lead to a pulmonary embolism.
But it doesn’t need to get to this stage. There are many things you can do during a flight or a long journey to prevent thrombosis and to promote vein health in general.
Compression is indispensable
You will have heard that compression stockings should be worn during a flight. And indeed, compression is critical if you want to prevent deep-vein thrombosis. If you suffer from a vein problem, such as varicose veins, compression stockings are a must.
Compression exerts pressure on your veins. This provides them with relief and helps them perform more effectively. The venous blood flow is promoted, your venous valves are able to close, and your legs will feel light instead of heavy after a flight or drive. This is also beneficial for thrombosis prevention.
Ensure quality
Simple support or travel stockings also exert pressure on the veins, but they have a significantly lower compression effect. They are also not subject to medical standards. They are the right choice if your veins are healthy and you want to relieve them with stockings on a trip. Our VenoTrain act is a good option in this case.
Medical compression stockings, on the other hand, are manufactured in compliance with strict regulations and bear a quality seal in Germany – you should not be without these if you have been diagnosed with vein problems.
Positive effect plus wearing comfort
You may think it’s odd to wear tight, high stockings on a journey. In the summer, in particular, when temperatures are rising, you would prefer airy clothing. With our VenoTrain® compression stockings, however, you don’t need to worry: the high-quality knitted fabric has been designed for the compression to have the perfect effect, while at the same time focusing on wearing comfort.
The specific materials used ensure great skin friendliness and are comfortable to wear. There are many different versions, models, and colors in our VenoTrain® portfolio. Therefore, you will definitely find the compression stockings that will provide the ideal effect for your individual requirements – and highlight your personal style.
Six tips for your journey
Compression stockings will equip you perfectly for a flight or a long journey by car or train. If you also follow these tips, you will not only do something beneficial for your veins but also be fit and relaxed when you arrive at your destination.
Water keeps your blood liquid and relieves your veins. Better to say no to alcohol or coffee – both are diuretics, and alcohol expands the vessels.
Hearty meals are not recommended before or during long journeys. If possible, choose light meals with vegetables and fruit. That’s not just beneficial for your veins; your whole body will feel more energetic and lighter.
Even when there is limited space, you can try to gently massage your lower legs. Always move from your foot toward the knee.
Avoid tight pants, skirts, and shoes; they constrict your body unnecessarily. Do not stow luggage by your feet and don’t cross your legs.
Get up every now and then and walk along the plane aisle. Or use the break during a car journey to walk a few steps. It’s also beneficial to stand on tip toes, then slowly lower your heels. Repeat this a few times, and your veins will be thankful.
You can also work on activating your muscles when you’re sitting down. Circle your feet (once to the left and once to the right, then in the opposite direction), pull your toes upward, then the heels, and tap your feet.