Compression socks are some of the most widely-recommended travel products, especially when long-haul flights are discussed.
Videos by TravelAwaits
Most travelers know a thing or two about why the socks are often listed. They’re good for our health, can help us get more comfortable, and can even help treat things like restless legs.
Still, there’s a lot of science behind why flights affect our vascular system, and how compression socks can actually save us from discomfort… and even issues like deep-vein thrombosis.
Don’t know what thrombosis is? Or the vascular system? Here’s why you might want to make that purchase sooner rather than later, according to science. For this article, I’ve consulted Health, Yale Medicine, and the American Heart Association.
Why should you wear compression socks on airplanes? 5 reasons why
Compression socks improve circulation
The entire idea behind compression socks is that they fit tightly around the feet and lower legs in order to apply pressure to the blood vessels. This pressure helps improve how our blood vessels function, which, in turn, improves circulation.
This also benefits the vascular system as a whole, which is the body’s entire network of blood vessels. However, compression socks are just that—socks. They only impact the vessels in the feet, ankles, calves, and knees. That being said, wearing compression socks can still benefit the whole body because it helps return blood that goes down to our lower extremities.
Strong circulation decreases the chances of blood clots
So, why do you need to wear compression socks on airplanes? The goal is to improve circulation in order to avoid certain outcomes. One of the most prevalent is blood clots. When we sit for long periods of time, blood pools in our lower legs and feet. That increases the chance of a clot developing in our legs.
Compression socks can help reduce this risk for long-haul flights. Doctors also recommend standing up and moving around, along with doing basic calf exercises while seated. Together, these changes can prevent the most serious type of blood clots, called Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT.
DVT occurs when clots form deep inside the vessel, making them much harder to detect and treat. DVT usually occurs in the lower leg or thigh, making it a top concern for travelers with vascular issues.
Strong circulation also improves outcomes related to diabetes, varicose veins, and CVI
Aside from preventing blood clots on long-haul flights, wearing compression socks can also help treat other conditions. For example, those with diabetes might also be managing poor circulation. Compression socks improve circulation on long-haul flights, which can lessen swelling (called edema) and the threat of clots. However, consult your doctor before using compression socks if you have diabetes—they might not be the right fit.
Compression socks can also improve discomfort from varicose veins. If you have varicose veins and struggle with leg heaviness, fatigue, and swelling during flights, compression socks can help push blood back up to your heart, alleviating these symptoms.
Lastly, compression socks can be used by those with chronic venous insufficiency or CVI. CVI is a condition in which veins are weakened in the legs, which can cause swelling, spider veins, and changes to skin color. Compression socks help improve vein function on long-haul flights.
Compression socks improve lymphatic drainage, which decreases swelling
Speaking of swelling, compression socks also improve lymphatic drainage. When lymphatic fluid builds up in our lower legs, it doesn’t drain properly. This can create other issues, including lymphedema. While you aren’t likely to get lymphedema on a plane, compression socks can help those with the condition manage discomfort during air travel.
Compression socks come in all shapes and sizes—which determine how you should use them
According to Yale Medicine, compression socks come with different strength levels and designs. One vascular surgeon recommends speaking with a doctor if you’re having general leg discomfort because it’s important to know the root cause before buying compression socks.
Different medical conditions require different compression strengths, along with coverage. Medical-grade compression socks, for example, are usually ‘graduated’ and loosen the further up they go. Non-medical compression socks are a bit looser and suited for general use—you can buy these on Amazon.
These over-the-counter compression socks aren’t as specialized, but they’re entirely safe for travelers to use on long-haul flights. You might even consider wearing them if you’ll be on your feet going on tours all day. Aside from long-haul flights, compression socks are often used by workers who spend most of the day on their feet or sitting at a desk.
