Are Compression Socks Good for Flying?
For many years travelers have been warned about the risks of dangerous blood clots while flying. After a long flight you may discover your ankles have swollen to twice the normal size and it can hurt to walk for awhile. It’s true that the risk of developing blood clots on a flight is quite low, the possibility increases as travel times get longer.
Flying is indeed a perfect storm for a blood clot. Sitting in a cramped seat for hours, raises the risk, and flyers tend to avoid drinking water because they don't want to have to get up to use the bathroom. That can lead to dehydration, which can thicken the blood. When you’re on a long flight, chances are, you’re not going to move around significantly causing circulation between your heart and lower legs to slow down. You may experience swelling, tingling, and discomfort. The reduced circulation can also put you at a higher risk for pulmonary embolisms and blood clots.
The use of compression socks for flying reduces the risk of blood clotting when you are on a longer flight. You may develop blood clots without notable symptoms which cannot be felt immediately, but nonetheless develop in the deeper veins of the legs. Compression socks on flights are recommended if you are flying for 8 hours or more. However, you can easily use them on smaller journeys as well just as compression stockings also can be used if you primarily sit still throughout a long working day.
How Do Compression Socks Work for Flying?
Why compression socks for flying? Compression socks squeeze at the ankles, with pressure gradually decreasing further up the leg. The squeezing helps keep blood flowing by forcing blood in the legs to return to the heart. Compression socks help prevent swellings, pain, build-up of fluid, and much more. By adding extra pressure to the venous pumps and the many veins in the leg the blood will thereby more easily return from the feet and legs back to the heart. This keeps the legs going even if you are sitting still for longer periods of time.
Compression socks for long flights are extra special, as the pressure in the flight cabin is only three quarters of that of the surface of the earth. This means a lower blood flow rate which increases the risk of too many red blood cells and in return can create a blood clot when they gather together. Generally small blood clots dissolve so you don’t feel anything, but the problems occur when the clots grow bigger. Compression socks and flying ensures you have a reasonable flow rate during your entire flight to reduce the health risks.
How Tight Should Compression Socks be for Flying?
Compression socks should provide gentle pressure but if they feel too tight or painful, you’ve got the wrong size which can actually cause more harm than good. Compression socks should feel like your calves are getting a gentle hug, not being strangled.
When to Put Compression Socks On and How Long to Wear Them
To wear compression socks for flying, you may want to practice putting them on a few times before your flight. Getting them on your feet, especially in the tight confines of an airplane, can take some getting used to. The best time to put them on might be right before you board the airplane.
You can usually wear compression socks for extended periods, so you can put them on your feet at home before you leave for the airport. However, if discomfort or other side effects appear after a few hours remove them for awhile.
Other tips for Increasing Circulation During Flights
When you spend a lot of time in a confined space and are unable to move around much, the veins in your legs have a hard time circulating blood back up to your heart. This can cause pressure and swelling in the lower half of your legs. Travellers worried about blood clots should get up and walk every couple of hours. Move in your seat, flex your calf muscles and roll their ankles around in big circles, both directions. Then take off your shoes, and wiggle your toes. All of that motion gets the blood moving. Of course there are things you yourself can do to prevent this, for instance by walking up and down the aisle from time to time. This keeps the legs going and hence the blood circulation stabile. The above is not only relevant in connections with flights, but also when you sit still for longer periods of time, however not to the exact same degree.
Compression socks aren’t the only option for avoiding blood clots while traveling. Other tips include:
• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing that encourages healthy circulation.
• Maximize in-flight legroom by stowing all your belongings in overhead compartments.
• Drink plenty of water before and during your flight.
• Avoid high-sodium and salty foods while you’re at the airport and in flight.
We Provide Compression Socks for Flying and Other Compression Products
If you are interested in finding out more about compression socks and flying, or a variety of other compression products solutions, our stores across Canada have certified fitters who can understand your concerns and guide you through the process to make the best choice for your better health. Please fill out the form below and we’ll have a store near you contact you for assistance.