As temperatures rise and the days grow longer, Kansas Citians start shedding layers in favor of shorts, skirts, and sandals. But along with summer’s sunny perks comes a downside for many—varicose veins become more visible, and for some, more uncomfortable. While summer offers plenty of fun, from weekend getaways to cross-country family vacations, it also presents challenges for those dealing with vein issues.
At The Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City, we understand how vein problems can affect not only how you feel but how you live—especially during travel. Whether you’re preparing for a road trip, a flight, or long days at amusement parks or sightseeing, we’ve got advice to help you stay comfortable and protect your vein health this summer.
Why Summer Makes Varicose Veins Harder to Ignore
In the colder months, it’s easy to hide varicose veins under pants and boots. But once summer hits, the shorts and swimsuits come out, and suddenly, those bulging, twisted veins are more noticeable. For many people, this increased visibility brings self-consciousness and prompts questions about treatment.
More than just a cosmetic concern, varicose veins can also become more painful in the summer heat. Warm temperatures cause veins to dilate, which can worsen symptoms like aching, swelling, and fatigue. When you mix heat with summer activities and long travel days, it can be a recipe for discomfort.
How Do Varicose Veins Start?
Varicose veins don’t appear overnight. They develop gradually over time due to a variety of factors. Varicose veins are actually a symptom of a disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Chronic venous insufficiency occurs due to damaged or malfunctioning valves in the veins, which are supposed to keep blood flowing in one direction. They usually occur in the lower legs because gravity works against the valves making it difficult for the veins to return the blood back to the heart. This leads to blood pooling and increased pressure in the leg veins.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
The most common cause of varicose veins is heredity. If your parents had vein issues, you’re more likely to as well. Other contributing factors include:
- Aging
- Obesity
- Leg trauma
- Pregnancy
- Inactive lifestyle
- Occupations that require long periods of standing
These factors can weaken the valves in your veins, causing blood to pool and veins to bulge.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Even before veins become visibly enlarged, you might notice signs like:
- Leg fatigue or heaviness (especially after long periods of standing)
- Pain relieved by leg elevation
- Swelling in the ankles or lower legs
- Itchy, dry, or discolored skin near the ankles
- Visible, twisted veins
- Skin rashes or ulcerations
If you’re experiencing two or more of these symptoms, it could indicate vein disease—and it’s worth discussing with a vein specialist. There is also a condition known as phantom varicose veins in which the symptoms are identical except for the visible twisted or blue veins. Phantom varicose veins present a challenge when it comes to diagnosis because they conceal themselves from visual detection. If you are experiencing leg pain, swelling, or heaviness, but have no visible signs of varicose veins, see a vein specialist like Dr. Barbieri at The Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City.
Summer Travel Tips to Keep Your Veins Happy
With school out and schedules loosening up, summer is prime time for vacations. But traveling with varicose veins presents unique challenges. Whether you’re sitting in a car or airplane seat for hours or walking for miles at an amusement park, prolonged inactivity or repetitive stress on your legs can increase discomfort and swelling.
1. Car Travel Tips
Long car rides can cause blood to pool in your lower legs, increasing swelling and discomfort. Here’s how to combat that:
- Take breaks: Stop every 1-2 hours to get out, stretch, and walk around.
- Do leg exercises: While seated, flex your feet and rotate your ankles to keep blood flowing.
- Wear compression stockings: These help support blood circulation and reduce swelling.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps prevent water retention and improves circulation.
2. Air Travel Tips
Flying comes with its own set of concerns. Cabin pressure and long periods of immobility can be hard on your veins.
- Book an aisle seat: It makes it easier to get up and walk during the flight.
- Walk the aisle: Aim to stand up and move every hour.
- Stretch in your seat: Flex and point your toes, and lift your knees toward your chest.
- Wear compression garments: Essential for flights longer than two hours.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Both can dehydrate you and increase swelling.
- Theme Parks, City Sightseeing & Long Days on Your Feet
Being on your feet all day in the summer heat can take a toll on your veins.
- Wear supportive shoes: Opt for cushioned, closed-toe shoes rather than flip-flops.
- Pace yourself: Sit down whenever possible, and elevate your legs during breaks.
- Stay cool: Heat can dilate veins and worsen symptoms, so rest in the shade and use cooling sprays.
- Bring compression socks: They may not be fashionable, but your legs will thank you.
4. Sleeping in Hotels
Sleeping in unfamiliar beds and different positions can also impact circulation.
- Elevate your legs at night: Use pillows to keep your feet slightly elevated.
- Keep the room cool: Cooler temps can ease leg discomfort.
- Stretch before bed: Light stretching can relieve muscle tension and promote blood flow.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
If your veins are interfering with your travel plans—or your life in general—now may be the perfect time to consider vein treatment. At The Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City, we offer a variety of advanced, in-office procedures with minimal downtime.
Compression/Support Garments
Carefully measured and fitted to your legs, compression garments improve circulation, reduce swelling, and serve as post-treatment support. They’re great as a non-invasive option or as a preventive tool.
Radio Frequency Ablation
Using radio-frequency energy, this varicose vein treatment heats and seals problematic veins. Your body naturally reroutes blood flow to healthier veins.
Sclerotherapy
A non-surgical procedure where a solution is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse and be absorbed by the body.
Laser Vein Ablation
Similar to radio-frequency ablation, but using laser energy. A catheter delivers energy directly into the vein to close it.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
This in-office procedure removes surface veins through tiny punctures. No stitches needed, and you can return to regular activities almost immediately.
DVT Diagnosis and Management
Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition that involves a blood clot in a deep vein. We use sonogram imaging to diagnose and treat DVT with medications and compression therapy.
Varithena Chemical Ablation
Ideal for larger or tortuous veins that can’t be treated with heat-based methods, this procedure uses a specialized chemical under ultrasound guidance.
Meet Dr. Barbieri – The Vein Doc Patients Love
Dr. Craig Barbieri—or “Dr. B.” as patients call him—brings deep Kansas roots and unmatched expertise to The Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City. Raised in Arma, Kansas, and a graduate of Pittsburg State University and the University of Kansas Medical School, Dr. Barbieri has been treating patients since 1997. He has specialized in vein care since 2008 and was certified by the American Board of Lymphatic and Venous Medicine in 2009.
He leads one of the Midwest’s few accredited vein centers, where every patient receives individualized care in a friendly, state-of-the-art vein treatment center. Dr. Barbieri believes in treating patients like family and involves them in every decision about their vein health. He will evaluate your veins and recommend the best course of varicose vein treatment.
Fast, Easy Treatments with Minimal Downtime
Most of our varicose vein treatments take just a couple of hours or less and are done right in our office. There’s minimal downtime, and you can return to normal activities right away. Many of our patients tell us, “I wish I’d done this sooner!” Once they realize how quick and easy treatment is, they’re amazed by the results—and the freedom to enjoy summer without pain or embarrassment.
Most Varicose Vein Treatments Are Covered by Insurance
One of the most common things we hear is: “If I had known it would have only cost $??? with insurance, I would have had this done a long time ago.”
The good news? Most varicose vein treatments are covered by insurance. We help patients navigate coverage so they can get the care they need without financial stress. Don’t let cost concerns stop you from living pain-free and confidently again. Check this list to see if your insurance provider is on it: Insurance Accepted
This Summer, Take Care of You
If you’ve been struggling with varicose veins, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to live with the discomfort. Whether you’re planning a beach vacation, a family road trip, or just want to feel good in your favorite summer clothes, The Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City is here to help.
Let this be the summer you put yourself first. Book a vein consultation with Dr. B. and see how easy it is to finally get relief.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start your journey to healthier legs and a more comfortable, confident you.
