Why Wear Compression Socks for Travel
Why you should Wear Compression Socks when you Travel
Compression socks can be a valuable tool for long-haul flights. Some of you may wear compression socks daily or have been told by your doctor that you should wear them. Others may have heard that it’s a good idea to wear them on long flights or during periods of immobility. In this post, we discuss who should wear compression socks for travel: what compression socks do, why is a good idea to consider wearing them on your travel days, and which we recommend!
Note: We will be covering compression socks in the scope of use for travel only. There are many medical reasons why people need to wear compression socks and will not be discussed here. If you have been told you need to wear compression socks and are not, please consider letting your physician know. If you notice that you get swelling into your feet and ankles during a typical day at home, notify your doctor.
What are Compression Socks
Compression socks are tight, slightly stretchy socks that help aid your circulatory system. They come in various lengths like regular socks, from ankle length to full leg length. Their purpose is to assist in preventing fluid pooling at your ankles and into your feet. There are medical grade compression socks but are now also less restrictive compression socks made by clothing and shoe brands. There are now different levels of compression as well as variety in color and design. See the bottom of this post for recommendations on compression socks.
Why Wear Compression Socks for Travel
There are two main reasons to wear compression socks when you travel: Swelling and risk of DVTs.
Swelling
Anytime your legs are below your heart, our circulatory system has to pump fluid against gravity up to the heart. The efficiency of this declines due to age and other factors such as declining cardiac function. When the system cannot keep up with the fluid that is pooling in our lower legs and feet in positions such as sitting and standing, swelling occurs. This is why it’s recommended to lay down and or elevate when you have any type of swelling. Getting a swollen area higher than your heart helps fluid move with gravity rather than against it. Compression socks help the overwhelmed circulatory system pump the fluid back upward.
DVTs: Deep Vein Thrombosis or Blood Clots
Compression socks are also recommended for travel because of increased risk of blood clots, medically known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Our risk of a DVT increases the longer we are sedentary. The CDC notes traveling more than 4 hours in a seated position increases your risk of a DVT.
Learn More
CDC’s page about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVTs)
CDC’s page about DVTs Specific to Travel
Tips on Buying Compression Socks
Pay close attention to sizing when you buy compression socks. Some brands have you measure your calf width and height of your lower leg for the best fit. There are also various levels of compression, ranging from 8-40 mmHg (the same unit of measurement as blood pressure). The higher the number, the tighter the socks and the more difficult they are to get on and off. To get the benefits of swelling management and reducing your DVT risk, aim for 15-20mmHg.
Options of Compression Socks to Buy:
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Dr. Segal’s– Started by a surgeon, they offer few color/design choices. They all hit just below the knee and offer 15-20mmHg of compression.
JOBST – These are medical grade compression socks. They offer the most variety of lengths and compression but look more like medical socks and less day-to-day socks.
Sockwell – Made in the USA, they offer multiple compression types in various colors, designs and lengths.
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