Compression socks for flying

[Mattg]

I was just reading a comment on another thread that compression socks can make a big difference to in-flight comfort.

I've never bought or worn compression socks. What do they actually do, and do you wear them on long-haul flights?

 

[ellen10]

We have compression socks and wear them for long haul flights.
My husband's cardiologist recommends them. I think they do help with feet swelling.
A bit annoying to put them on, as they are tight.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Apparently I’ve been wearing them wrong! https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/health-safety/turns-out-weve-probably-been-wearing-flight-compression-socks-wrong/news-story/219dcacadb2b1510c8adce939f52ee20?utm_source=News.com&utm_medium=Google&utm_campaign=DSA&utm_source=SEM&utm_medium=PPC_SEM&utm_campaign={campaign}&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=190004633&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-NfDBhDyARIsAD-ILeCWtyD0xcMFekQzs3k0naEOL73nK4AwOftW5AX2ja9bFM7A_zQbm9kaAkNsEALw_wcB

I usually put them on when i sit down on board, but the article above suggests putting them on first thing when you wake up at home, on the day of your flight. And not taking them off until well after you reach your hotel at the other end.

However… the difference between a flight with and without compression socks is night and day… for anything over about 2-3 hours. Of course… talking only reclining seats here… lie flat beds they aren’t really needed.

They reduce swelling in the calves and ankles. Before I found compression socks I’d usually be found joining fellow passengers doing the little emu leg walk/dance by the exits… trying to get the blood moving in the feet.

Once you put the socks on you can sit for 9-10 hours with no pain at all.

I bough Scholl flight socks. They are snug around the ankle, but otherwise not tight. They’re not supposed to be as far as I have read… and are effective with a gradient of pressure: snug at the foot tapering off to feel just like a regular sock up the calf.

 

[Daver6]

I was just reading a comment on another thread that compression socks can make a big difference to in-flight comfort.

I've never bought or worn compression socks. What do they actually do, and do you wear them on long-haul flights?

They compress....as per the name

More seriously, I believe they're meant to help reduce the risk of DVT too.

Unrelated, I wanted something to keep my lower legs warm while running in cooler weather. I landed on this from Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08D3H1JKH?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1&psc=1 which could be an easier alternative to full socks. Can't comment on how long these will last as only a recent purchase.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I was just reading a comment on another thread that compression socks can make a big difference to in-flight comfort.

I've never bought or worn compression socks. What do they actually do, and do you wear them on long-haul flights?

Helps with blood flow and helps prevent blood clots.

Useful to wear them but not particularly comfortable. Get them tailored to your legs.

Compression stockings: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

You wear compression stockings to improve blood flow in the veins of your legs. Compression stockings gently squeeze your legs to move blood up your legs. This helps prevent leg swelling and, to a lesser

medlineplus.gov

 

[RooFlyer]

I wear medical grade compression stockings (to the calf) - not socks - due to swollen ankles etc, by-product of a medicine I take. On in the morning, off when I go to bed.

Get a chit from my doctor, take it to chemist; get form & measure lower leg in a couple of spots & they order in (at my chemist) for my size from Jobst.

Products

www.jobst.com.au

This type. For each size, there are three compression strengths, they measure in mm Hg.



Very tight to put on#, but not uncomfortable to wear. I usually take them off on long haul J, as putting your feet up does much the same job and you can move around much easier.

So @Mattg not 'compression socks' which I suspect would help with DVT risk, but not too much.

# There is a special technique that makes it easier. Once when I was in hospital nurses had to put them on for me. No idea!! I told them how to do it and it was a revelation to them.

 

[kevrosmith]

I've kept a few pairs from hospital when I've had a few overnight stays and wear them on long haul international flights. (Their effectiveness is probably diminished over time/age, but they'll do...). I find that they do help to keep swelling out of ankles/feet.

When I used to commute to SYD more regularly, I would even notice slight swelling after my 3 hour flight SYD-CNS on the way home each week. So I've always found them handy.

Perhaps other factors, such as weight, body-shape, fitness level etc may contribute to some of these conditions, so perhaps it's nothing something you've needed to consider in your circumstances @Mattg .

 

[bpc]

Never worn them until my sister (early 40s, not overweight, no health issues) got DVT flying from Argentina to France and almost died from it three years ago, now always wear them. Got mine from priceline.

 

[Townsend]

I wear compression socks from Chemist Warehouse and find that they make a big difference. I knew someone who was very unwell with DVT after flying from London to Sydney and since then, I always wear them on flights over about three hours.

 

[kpc]

I tend to go for a walk* every 2 o 3 hours so have never worn such stockings.

* alright go to the toilet