Globe-trotters from Sutton Coldfield are being offered free expert advice from an award-winning specialist vein clinic on looking after their legs and veins while travelling (May, 2025).
The experts at Premier Veins have put together a free checklist for frequent flyers, of things to consider before booking their next flight, in-flight strategies to keep legs healthy and symptoms to look out for.
Donald Adam, Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon, MBChB, MD, FRCS, at Premier Veins on Tamworth Road in Sutton Coldfield, said: “Long flights can take their toll on vein health. Sitting for extended periods of time can lead to poor circulation, leg swelling, an increased risk of varicose veins and even deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
“We often hear about DVT being associated with flying, however many people believe it won’t happen to them.
“Sitting in cramped aeroplane seats causes blood flow in the legs to slow down, causing discomfort and in some cases, serious vein conditions. It’s not just frequent flyers who are at risk either, anyone going on a flight can suffer, which is why we’ve put together a checklist of points for people to consider before, during and after any flights they might have booked.”
Pre-flight checklist
- Book an aisle seat if possible - this gives you easy access to stand up and move around, you can also stretch out your legs when needed into the aisle, providing they don’t cause an obstruction.
- Wear compression socks - these help improve blood flow and reduce swelling - they are a must have for frequent flyers.
- Stay hydrated - drinking water prevents dehydration, which can thicken the blood and slow circulation
- Exercise before your flight - stretching your legs or going for a short walk before takeoff can stimulate blood flow.
In-flight checklist
- Move every hour - stand up, stretch or walk down the aisle whenever possible
- Ankle and leg exercises - rotating your ankles and flexing your feet can help prevent blood pooling and even better, they can be done while sitting down
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine - as tempting as it can be, it’s best to avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can contribute to dehydration
Post-flight leg symptoms to look out for
- Swelling
- Pain
- Heaviness.
Diane from Lichfield has benefitted from treatment at Premier Veins’ after experiencing phlebitis following a flight.
She said: “Following a flight, I developed phlebitis in one of the veins in my left leg. I wasn’t wearing any support stockings on the flight, but was mobilising and walking around the cabin still.
“I visited Premier Veins and received foam sclerotherapy in my left leg in several veins. I then began suffering with it in another vein, but because I was under the clinic’s 12 month guarantee, I was able to revisit and have follow-up treatment free of charge.
“The veins have gone down quite a bit in my leg so they're not as visible anymore. The treatment isn't painful and it's absolutely fine. It really doesn't hurt.
“The follow-up care was excellent. I had mobile phone numbers for members of staff and the team was really helpful.”
Premier Veins is dedicated to transforming vein health and restoring confidence. Its expert team, with a strong foundation in the NHS and research, established Premier Veins in the Midlands in 2012 to deliver a superior level of personalised attention.
Its experienced consultant vascular specialists offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments that can help people regain confidence in their appearance.
After continued success in Birmingham (and Solihull), Premier Veins has expanded across the Midlands.
Donald qualified from the University of Edinburgh and went on to gain extensive training in vascular and endovascular surgery in Edinburgh, Leicester and Adelaide, Australia.
He was appointed as Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon in Birmingham in 2004. Donald has been awarded a doctorate in vascular research at the University of Edinburgh and is an author of several publications on varicose veins and leg ulcers.
Premier Veins has received the Best for Varicose Vein Treatments - UK award by Global 100 for two consecutive years.
For more information on Premier Veins and its award-winning services, or to book a consultation, please visit www.premierveins.uk.