Schedule Vein Care in December for Proactive Health
The end of the year is an ideal time for many people to schedule appointments for vein treatments. Many patients have already met their insurance deductible, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds may also expire at the end of the year, making December a great time to use them for medical procedures.
If you’ve noticed varicose or spider veins that are causing discomfort, swelling, or fatigue, now is a smart time to take action! Call The Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City; we help patients get relief safely, efficiently, and with minimal downtime.
Extensive Travel Can Affect Your Vein Health
How can travel actually affect those with varicose veins during The Holidays? Travel can often involve long flights, road trips, or time spent standing or sitting for extended periods. For people with varicose veins, this can increase pressure in the legs, worsen discomfort, and lead to swelling or heaviness.
Risks of Traveling With Varicose Veins
Traveling—especially during the holidays—often means long periods of sitting, standing, or waiting. For people with varicose or spider veins, this can make symptoms worse and increase discomfort. Here’s what to know:
Reduced Circulation
When you sit or stand for extended periods, blood flow in the legs slows down. For those with vein disease, this can cause blood to pool more easily, leading to heaviness and pressure in the lower legs.
Swelling, Discomfort, Tiredness or Heaviness
Long flights, road trips, or even days of walking at events can trigger swelling, aching, and a “tired leg” feeling. These symptoms are common signs of underlying venous insufficiency.
Increased Risk for Blood Clots
People with more advanced vein disorders or reduced circulation may be at a slightly higher risk for blood clots during long periods of immobility. While not everyone is at risk, it’s important to pay attention to symptoms like warmth, swelling, or tenderness in the calf.
If you consistently notice vein aching, swelling, or visible veins after traveling, it may be time to get your veins examined by a specialist. Early evaluation can prevent symptoms from progressing and help you travel more comfortably and safely.
The Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City’s Holiday Travel Tips
Here are a few easy ways to keep your body but most commonly when traveling your legs feeling their best while you’re on the go this holiday season:
- Wear compression stockings to support circulation and prevent blood from pooling in your lower legs during long periods of sitting or standing.
- Stay hydrated and try to limit salty snacks or alcohol, which can contribute to swelling.
- Move frequently. Stand up, walk the aisle, stretch your calves, or do ankle circles every 1—2 hours. Even small movements help keep blood flowing.
- Choose comfortable clothing and shoes to avoid unnecessary pressure on your veins. Tight waistbands or restrictive leggings can reduce circulation.
- Elevate your legs after long travel days or long hours on your feet to reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
These simple habits can help minimize symptoms during holiday travel, but they can’t correct underlying venous insufficiency. If you continue experiencing heaviness, pain, or visible veins, Schedule your evaluation today!
Available Vein Treatment Options in Kansas City
If your varicose vein symptoms persist, minimally invasive treatments can provide lasting relief.
- Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure which involves the injection of a concentrated solution through a tiny needle resulting in the vein being absorbed by the body naturally. This treatment is used on varicose veins when an ablation cannot be utilized. Ultrasound guidance can be used in this instance to aid in visualization of diseased veins for a more accurate injection or treatment.
- Varithena Chemical Ablation is a procedure using ultrasound guidance to place a specialized chemical into larger tortuous veins or large vein segments that cannot be treated with radiofrequency or laser.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy is done in our office using local anesthetic to remove bulging, surface veins. After the skin is “numb” very small punctures are made and the vein is removed. This procedure takes 1-2 hours and the benefits are amazing. No stitches are necessary. Minimal downtime is required and patients can expect to resume normal activity immediately following.
When to Consider Vein Treatment in Kansas City
Vein care isn’t just for people with visible veins—it’s for anyone whose legs don’t feel the way they should. You may be a good candidate if you experience:
- Visible bulging veins or clusters of spider veins
These can be more than a cosmetic concern. They often signal underlying circulation issues that may worsen over time if untreated. - Legs that feel heavy, tired, achy, or painful after standing or travel
Symptoms that consistently show up at the end of the day—or during long trips—can be early signs of vein disease and shouldn’t be ignored. - Swelling, skin discoloration, itching, or other changes
When circulation is reduced, you may notice swelling around the ankles, tightness, or skin darkening. These changes often indicate that your veins are working harder than they should.
If these symptoms sound familiar, a quick ultrasound and evaluation with a vein specialist can help determine the right treatment plan and bring relief.
- Patients with visible bulging veins or spider veins
- Legs that feel heavy, tired, or painful after standing or travel
- Swelling, skin changes, or discomfort affecting daily life
Stop going back and forth if you can tolerate the pain or discomfort. Schedule your evaluation today!
Vein Health and Treatment FAQs
What causes varicose veins and when should I see a vein doctor in Kansas City?
Varicose veins occur when vein valves weaken, causing blood to pool in the legs. Seek an evaluation with a vein specialist if you notice swelling, bulging veins, heaviness, or pain.
Does travel make vein issues worse?
Yes, extended periods of sitting or standing can worsen symptoms with your veins when traveling. Stay active, wear compression stockings, and hydrate frequently.
What simple habits to protect your veins during holiday travel?
- Compression stockings
- Hydration
- Frequent movement and stretching
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- Elevating legs after travel
What vein treatments are offered at The Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City?
Sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, and ambulatory phlebectomy for spider and varicose veins are all treatments offered at The Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City.
Who is a good candidate for vein treatment?
Anyone experiencing visible varicose or spider veins, leg heaviness, swelling, or discomfort—especially after standing for long periods or traveling—may be a strong candidate for vein treatment.
The best next step is to schedule a evaluation with a vein specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the right treatment plan.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Many treatments are covered when medically necessary! December is an excellent time to maximize deductibles or use FSA funds, see what insurance The Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City accepts.
What is Post-Treatment Recovery Like?
Most vein treatments are outpatient with minimal downtime. Patients typically return to daily activities quickly, with compression stockings recommended for a few days. Read through The Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City’s Vein Treatment Options Guide for more detailed treatment information.
