What Are The Best Compression Socks For You To Be Wearing When Flying?

Free Man Lying Down Inside a Airplane and Listening to Music Stock Photo

Compression socks apply gentle pressure to your ankles and legs and improve your blood flow. These reduce the risk of blood clotting, particularly on long holiday or business flights. Medical studies have shown that wearing compression socks or stockings can also reduce the risk of leg swelling, compared to not wearing them.

Is It A Long Or Short Journey?

Foot and leg swelling while travelling by plane can be harmless if you are going on a short trip. When you sit with your feet on the floor for long periods of time, blood tends to pool in your leg veins. Depending on the position of your legs on how you are seated, can also put added pressure in the veins of your legs. Therefore, for long flights, three hours or more, wearing mild compression socks can be of benefit to you.

Best Way Is To Make It Feel Really Nice And Snug

When you put them on, don’t be tempted to make them feel painfully tight. It is always recommended that they are the best when they feel snug. Also, ask yourself which area of your legs is affected. For swelling in your ankles, a knee-high sock should work for you. If the swelling is on or above the knee, go for a thigh-high or pantyhose/waist high compression stocking.

When you are on a plane it is not a problem to sleep with them on, particularly for short periods of time. You might want to have a quick nap, or just doze off for a while.

Airlines Can Provide ‘Flight Socks’

Some airlines provide you with what they call ‘flight socks’. These can often be for overnight flight economy passengers. If they don’t, and if you are going to buy them, always get two pairs. One pair that you can wear during the day – the other can be in the wash for the next day. A good pair of socks usually comes with a two-year guarantee and there are some great selections in various colors. Good quality compression socks are not just for flying but are also used by cyclists, runners, hikers and some offer calf support. Many teachers and other professions who stand for a long time use them.

Energy Socks To Keep You Right On Going…

When my wife goes on a plane she usually wears ‘Energy Socks’ which are light compression socks (15-20 mmHg). On the packet it highlights the following benefits: increases leg energy; reduction leg pain, swelling in feet and ankles; reduction varicose and spider veins; and less incidence of blood clots.

First Time Of Wearing Compression Stockings?

Medium (We recommend you start with 15-20 mmHg)

Ideal compression level used for those traveling long distances.
Relieve aching and tired legs, and minor swelling of ankles, feet, and legs.
Prevention of minor to moderate varicose/spider veins.
Prevents deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
While pregnant, prevents varicose and spider veins.
Used in post-sclerotherapy treatment to help top the reappearance of varicose and spider veins.

Firm (20-30 mmHg)

Prevents deep vein thrombosis (DVT), also known as economy class syndrome.
Aids in the relief of moderate to severe varicose veins (also while pregnancy).
For post-surgical and post-sclerotherapy treatment to help stop reappearance of varicose/spider veins.
Gives help in treatment of moderate to severe lymphatic edema or edema.
Helps with the management of active ulcers and manifestations of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).
Relieve superficial thrombophlebitis.
Helps with orthostatic hypotension (sudden fall in blood pressure when standing).

Relieve severe varicose veins.
Used in the treatment of severe edema/lymphedema.
In post-surgical and post-sclerotherapy treatment to help prevent the reappearance of varicose/spider veins.
Reduces symptoms of Postural Hypotension/Orthostatic Hypotension Postural Hypotension.
Prevents deep vein thrombosis (DVT), also known as economy class syndrome.
Management of Venous Ulcers/manifestations of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS).

RX (40-50 mmHg)

Gradient Compression Stockings are usually for more Serious Venous Diseases such as Ankle Swelling/Acute Leg, Varicose Veins, Chronic Vein Insufficiency and Deep Vein Thrombosis.
- Pregnancy swelling/vein problems
- Post-surgical/post-sclerotherapy treatment
- Lymphedema/edema
- Spider and varicose veins
- Poor circulation from sitting too long
- Swelling, pain or blood clots in the lower legs, also known as DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

Advantages Of Compression Socks

The advantages of wearing compression socks are many.

Here is a list:

boosts circulation in legs
supports veins
reduces the swelling in legs
aids in prevention of venous ulcers
restricts blood pooling in veins
overturns venous hypertension
reduces varicose vein pain
helps avoid deep vein leg thrombosis
reduces orthostatic hypotension
boosts lymphatic drainage

Disadvantages Of Compression Socks

You could suffer side effects from wearing compression socks. This could be skin problems if you are allergic to the material from the socks. If you do not wear the socks properly, compression can break the skin, damage nerves and lead to infection. If you suffer from Defective Arterial Flow, you could get Ischemia, which is poor blood supply to different parts of your body, including the heart. Compression socks can also be uncomfortable and make your feet feel tinglish. Too much compression could lead to pain in your knee joints or corns and calluses in feet.

Is There Another Option?

If you don’t want to wear compression socks, then here are a few tips or remedies.

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Extend and flex your ankles and knees frequently while you’re seated
Shift your position in your seat as much as possible, being careful to avoid crossing your legs.
Take a short walk every hour or so.
Flex your calf muscles.
Wear loose-fitting clothing.

Whatever you choose to do, please send us your feedback. We hope this article has been of some help to you.