Why You Should Wear Compression Socks on Long Flights
Anyone who has ever taken a flight will know that the seats just don't cut it. They're crammed with minimal legroom, which makes even a short flight extremely uncomfortable. After about an hour of squeezing yourself into what little room you have, you will notice that your legs will start to feel numb and uncomfortable. This can be extremely annoying, especially for people with longer legs, and will make taking a flight feel more like a chore than an enjoyable experience. You could also purchase better seats with more legroom and comfort, but that would be a waste of money for an issue with some easy fixes. The easiest way to combat this is by investing in some compression socks, especially if you're going to take a long-haul flight.
Long Flights and Potential Health Issues
The inactivity that occurs when you fly can cause several issues, and these issues are only amplified if you are someone with longer legs. With typical modern flights trying to fit more people into planes by pushing the seats closer together, there has been an increase in flight-related health issues like DVT. Fortunately, wearing graduated compression socks when flying can drastically reduce the chances of you having any problems.
The Health Risks That Occur When Flying
If you have relatively long legs, you will be even more familiar with the leg pain you can experience from taking a long flight. This pain usually occurs due to your leg's position when sitting in an airline seat, as that is not a position you are used to sitting in. While sitting in this position, your blood begins to pool in the veins in the lower part of your body, which increases the pressure in your legs and ankles, making it hard to sit comfortably.
This discomfort will become an issue much faster for someone with long legs due to naturally poorer blood circulation when people have longer limbs. Usually, if you're sitting on a plane and start feeling discomfort, you can stretch, which should alleviate any pain temporarily. This isn't possible for people who are already using a lot of leg space simply to put their legs, and walking up and down the plane is extremely inconvenient due to the lack of room.
It's not just discomfort that you have to worry about, either. With long flights, you are open to the risk of developing blood clots and other issues, such as swelling, which may lead to circulation issues. Because of these issues, it's essential to look for a solution that doesn't require a lot of movement; this solution is compression socks.
How Can Wearing Compression Socks Help During Flights?
Graduated compression stockings or socks are usually recommended for flights that last longer than 3 hours, as this is when you will start to suffer physical health issues. For short flights, you only need to wear mild compression socks with a lower compression level. Unless you are at risk of developing blood clots, it would be recommended that you use moderate compression socks, which will have a stronger compression level.
The socks work by evenly distributing pressure between your legs and ankles, encouraging normal blood flow. This prevents your blood from pooling in the lower half of your body and discourages the formation of blood clots as the blood is still able to pass in and out of the heart efficiently. Not only do compression socks help with potential health issues, but they also help alleviate more minor issues, such as slight swelling or general aches and pains. This means you can enjoy your flight instead of focusing on your discomfort.
How Compression Socks Help Deep Vein Thrombosis
The clots mentioned are also known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT. DVT isn't just an ordinary blood clot. They occur in larger deep veins, which have direct links to vital organs and can be extremely dangerous if allowed to travel to the lungs.
Graduated compression socks are a vital tool for anyone prone to developing these clots, e.g., someone overweight, of older age, or someone with a family history of being susceptible to the condition. Wearing compression socks helps combat this by regulating blood flow so the clots cannot form. When on a plane, one of the issues that someone may face is the constant inconsistencies in blood pressure; wearing compression socks helps to stabilize this pressure and prevent DVT from developing.
How to Put on Compression Socks
Practicing putting on compression socks before your flight can help you become more comfortable with the process. It can be challenging to put them on in the tight confines of an airplane, so it's best to try putting them on a few times at home before your flight. The ideal time to put on compression socks before boarding is while waiting at your gate. This will give you enough time and space to get them onto your feet comfortably.
How Long Should You Wear Them?
Compression socks are a great way to promote healthy circulation while traveling and can be especially useful when going on a long journey. Wearing them for extended periods is perfectly acceptable and even recommended, so you can also put on your compression socks before leaving home. These travel socks are designed with comfort in mind and are easy to slip on and off, so you can quickly get them on your feet before you begin your journey to the airport.
What Are the Best Graduated Compression Socks for Long Flights?
When it comes to compression socks for long flights, comfort and durability are essential. Tiux is one of the best options for travel socks. Tiux compression socks offer superior comfort and support, with a 20-30 mmHg graduated compression for improved circulation, and are made from soft and breathable fabric, which helps to reduce swelling in feet and ankles during extended periods of sitting. Additionally, they feature extra cushioning in the heel and toe area for added comfort and protection. Many travelers swear by them to help reduce swelling and discomfort in their feet and legs during a long flight.