Compression socks may be something worth bearing in mind when boarding a long-haul flight of six hours or more, but they are not necessary for everyone. Generally speaking they benefit certain elderly people or passengers with medical conditions.
The purpose of compression socks is to improve blood circulation and swelling by applying gentle pressure on the lower legs and feet. This helps with the flow of blood from the legs to the heart and decreases swelling in your ankles and calves. It also promotes lymphatic drainage, which prevents blood pooling in the feet.
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Compression socks or stockings also lower the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots when in a sitting position for long periods of time – say a long haul flight, or where individuals are recovering from surgery.
It can stop swelling for pregnant women or those having to stand for a long time. Those suffering from Edema (or Oedema), which is fluid retention in legs and varicose veins can also benefit from compression socks.
Myths that compression socks are for elderly people are not true, as they can provide benefits for people of all age groups. Another misconception is that they have to be extremely tight to be effective. As long as they are snugly fitted and are not painful to the wearer, they are just as effective.
In an article published by the American Heart Association News on June 5, 2024, an estimated 666,000 people in the US were hospitalized with DVT in 2020, where a clot forms in a large vein, usually a leg.
A further 432,000 ended up in hospital from a pulmonary embolism (VTE), where a clot travels to the lungs. The cause of death from VTE in 2021 was nearly 81,000 deaths.
Research from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2021 figures) showed that long-haul flights made VTE from 1.5 to four times more likely.
Before buying a pair of compression socks, it’s always good to discuss it with your doctor. These socks are specifically geared to people with specific health concerns, so they have to be identified.
Compression socks are commercially available but you can also get them by prescription.