Compression Socks For Flying

Compression Socks for Flying | Reduce the Risks of DVT

If you’re travelling overseas, you will probably undertake a long-haul flight (typically, six hours or more). During that time, your ability to move around will be limited, which can affect blood circulation and lead to swelling, tingling, and discomfort in your feet, ankles, and legs. It can also lead to spider veins, varicose veins, and a potentially dangerous condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that occurs in a deep vein, most often in your leg, and symptoms of DVT include pain and swelling in your thigh or calf. 

Travel compression socks work by applying gentle, graduated pressure, with the strongest compression at your ankle that gradually decreases as it moves up your leg. This helps your veins work more efficiently, assisting blood flow from your feet and lower legs back to your heart. By doing so, they can reduce the risk of blood pooling in your lower extremities, a common issue during extended periods of sitting.

Just like our compression socks for nurses, our compression socks for flying are designed to promote oxygen flow and healthy blood circulation. This can help reduce swelling and provide support for improved comfort, performance, and endurance. Our compression socks can also help to regulate your body temperature by keeping your feet and legs warm on chilly flights or helping to prevent overheating on warm ones. 

Our range of compression socks for travel includes our popular Legease compression socks, plus-size compression socks (with full-toe or open-toe options), and thigh-high compression stockings.

How do long-haul flights affect the body?

On a long-haul flight, a range of things can affect your body when sitting for an extended period. They include:

Your legs feel heavy: When you sit for long periods of time, blood can pool in your legs, making them feel extremely heavy. This can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where blood clots can form.

Your feet and ankles swell: Because you’re not moving around as much, your feet and ankles can swell due to reduced activity, but also on a flight, gravity is pulling the fluid in your body downwards.

Your muscles are stiff: After hours of sitting, you might find your muscles feeling stiff and achy.

Your sleep schedule is affected: When crossing time zones, your internal body clock is affected — this is commonly known as jet lag.

Benefits of flight compression socks

Wearing compression socks for travel can have enormous benefits for your health and mental well-being, enhancing your travel experience and allowing you to look forward to your before and after journeys. They include:

✅ Promoting healthy blood circulation and oxygen flow.

✅ Reducing swelling in the ankles, feet and legs.

✅ Reducing the risk of varicose and spider veins.

✅ Reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

✅ Reducing leg fatigue by reducing the build-up of lactic acid.

✅ Minimising muscle cramps and leg discomfort.

✅ Helping to regulate body temperature.

✅ Keeping your feet dry and comfortable.

Compression socks and flying - when should you wear them?

To fully maximise the benefits of compression socks for flying, here are some tips on when to wear them:

Legease compression socks

• Before your journey: You can start wearing compression socks before your trip, especially if you anticipate a long flight and extended periods of sitting. They can preemptively reduce swelling and leg fatigue and prepare you for the long journey ahead.

• During your journey: The primary purpose of compression socks is to support your legs during travel, so wearing them during your journey is essential. Put them on before you board your flight, and keep them on throughout the trip.

• Transits and layovers: Compression socks are also helpful when you are sitting and waiting to board another flight or for alternative transport.

• After your journey: After you’ve reached your destination, you can continue to wear compression socks as they can help to reduce swelling and discomfort after your long trip.

Compression socks travel - ways to minimise DVT on a flight

Simple and beneficial exercises you can do while seated include:

• Toe raises: Seated with your knees bent, keep your heels on the ground and lift your toes and the front of your foot as high as possible.

• Ankle circles: Lift one foot off the ground and rotate it around to draw big circles from your ankles. Repeat on both feet.

• Shoulder rolls: Sitting in a relaxed position with your arms by your side, slowly roll your shoulders forward and backwards.

• Neck rotations: Rotate your head in clockwise and counterclockwise motions. Place your left hand on top of your head and gently pull it towards your left shoulder for an additional neck stretch. Repeat on the right side.
  

Exercises you can do while standing include:

• Calf raises: Hold onto the back of your chair for balance and stand up tall. Lift onto your tippy toes, hold for one second, and slowly lower your heels.

• Quad stretches: Hold onto the back of your chair and bend one knee, bringing your foot up towards your bottom. Grab your ankle with your hand, pull your foot close to your bottom and hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Release and switch sides.

• Walking: When the seatbelt sign is off, take the opportunity to walk around the cabin every few hours at a minimum. Walking will ensure that blood flows normally from your feet back up to your heart to help prevent the risk of DVT.

Buying the right compression socks for your needs

• Australian compression socks for day-to-day use
• Nurse compression socks are designed to help with long periods of standing
• Compression socks for flying and extended travel
• Diabetic circulation socks for long-term help
• Pregnancy compression socks
• Graduated compression socks for post-surgery medical needs