Compression Socks for Flying: How to Wear Them & Benefits

A compression sock, also referred to as a graduated compression stocking, is a sock that fits on the legs and feet and applies pressure or traction to the legs to increase blood flow. They can also be useful if you need to travel by plane because given the still conditions, you are more at risk of developing blood clots, especially if you have circulation problems.

This article explains how, the advantage you stand to gain when you wear it, how to select the right style for the right intended use and possible side effects associated with use of the compression socks.

How Compression Socks Help During Air Travelling

If one is at a higher risk of developing blood clots for any reason, then a doctor may prescribe the use of compression socks in the course of flying. Compression socks are worn more tightly than ordinary socks; they work on the principle of enhancing blood flow by applying pressure on the legs. This can help decrease the risk of oedema, pain and formation of blood clots in the legs and other parts of the body.

Air travel generally disposes you to sitting in one position for a relatively long time, probably longer than in an average day. The reductions in blood flow to or from any part of the body accumulate and increase the probability of blood clots. The possibility of clot formation during the flight is very much higher in long-distance flights that are defined as four hours or more.

The Advantages of Wearing Compression Socks While Flying

Wearing compression while flying is known to have several potential benefits.

• Promoting blood flow more effectively and hence reducing the chances of the formation of blood clots.
• Controlling or preventing oedema of the legs
• Preventing dull, achy legs
• Ways by which one can reduce the odds of getting DVT.

A doctor may recommend that you wear compression socks while flying if you:

• Are pregnant
• Had recent surgery
• Have a clotting disorder
• have varicosity of the blood vessels which can in a way affect the circulation of blood within your body.

How to Select the Appropriate Compression Socks for Flying

If you want to choose the right compression socks for flying, consider the following factors:

Compression Levels

You will need to ensure that the socks are of the right compression level that you will require. The degree of pressure in these stockings is given in millimetres of mercury, or mmHg, which is the same unit as that used to qualify blood pressure. A figure that results in a higher number of compressions is said to be compressed to a higher level.

Other Factors to Look at When Choosing the Compression Socks

Compressive stockings are available in different sizes and made from different materials. Some reach as high as the knees, which are normally the most comfortable ones, some are thigh-high, and the longest are those that are worn like pantyhose. They are also made from different materials. Socks’ length will depend on your health conditions and the orders of the doctor.

Tips to keep in mind when choosing compression socks are:

1. Therefore, it is recommended to get compression socks that are tight but not uncomfortably constricting. They shouldn't hurt.
2. These are prescription socks that a variety of medical equipment stores should stock and the staff will correctly regulate the fit.
3. Because the shoelaces of a pair get easily worn out, it is advisable to have another backup pair for use while the other two are being washed or dried.
4. If you use compression socks frequently and not just when flying, consider replacing them every six months. It degrades with time and also its flexibility reduces, therefore a new one has to be prescribed.

Tips to Wear the Compression Socks While Flying

If you have identified a particular pair of compression socks that are ideal for you it is time to look at how to wear them when flying.

When to put Them On

It is recommended that one wear the compression stockings during travelling and hence it is advisable to wear them before flying. It is advisable not to try them on the first time at the nick of your flight time. If possible, try this at a time when you have the least swelling which is usually in the morning. To use them, wear them during the day of the flight but before boarding the flight.

How Long to Wear Compression Socks

However, most of the time, it is alright to wear compression socks all day; it is advisable always to read the labels. Even though some of these brands recommend that compression socks be worn at night also, they mostly are meant to be worn during the daytime and removed at night.

Possible Risks of Wearing Compression Stockings in Flying

Compression socks should also be worn correctly and must fit the wearer in the right manner. You may experience side effects such as the following if the socks aren't a perfect fit:

• Skin irritation and skin injury (the risk for this is higher if the legs are dry-skinned or if you get cuts easily).
• Cutting off your circulation
• Itching
• Redness around the skin

As for the next time you fly, always listen to your doctor’s advice on whether you can benefit from those compression socks.

Who Shouldn’t Wear Compression Socks While Flying?

There are also general findings out there stating that wearing compression stockings is risk-free for majority of the people. However, if you have peripheral artery disease (PAD) or diabetes consult with your doctor first.

You should not wear compression socks if, for instance, you have an allergy to the material from which the socks are made. Fortunately, there are other recommendations you can turn to your doctor to ascertain are suitable for flying instead of compression socks.

Summary

Compression stockings ensure that the blood flow towards the heart would be encouraged. They are effective in minimizing the likelihood of blood clots, swelling of legs and aching. Socks can have varying compressions which include the light level if you have specific requirements for additional support or the firm level if you have significant leg pains or earlier episodes of blood clots.

Make sure the compression socks you use when flying are not tight, to avoid some unpleasant symptoms like redness, rubbing on the skin or cutting off blood flow.