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

 

[BigCatHunter]

Like quite a few older people, I developed atrial fibrillation a few years ago and although it is under control, there is always a risk that your feet and ankles start swelling if you sit down for prolonged periods. I have found compression socks great here, and would recommend them to anyone, evn those without AF - who has no had swollen feet when in warmer temperatures? I bought mine on eBay since having them measured is quite expensive. Buying a few pairs (they are not thick or heavy) is a good idea; I wear mine also when overseas and out and about under long trousers. Your feet and legs will thank you. I wear the long kind since just on the feet makes little sense against fluid pooling. But yes, do put them on when you get out of bed the morning of your travel.

 

[windycityf]

I’ve had a DVT and now dealing with Post Thrombotic Syndrome. I now take blood thinners when I travel and must wear compression socks. A few things I learned is that they should be replaced frequently as they loose their elasticity. I put them on at start of day and don’t remove them until I arrive at hotel in destination.
I also fly with spare pair in case of delay.

Another expensive option for flying is Firefly

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[Aeryn]

They are designed to reduce risk of DVT, have only every worn for surgery and they certainly were not comfortable.

I cant imagine they could make flying more comfortable unless you have some sort of medical issue where you feet/ankles/lower legs swell when flying.

 

[Pvcmenace]

I've been wearing them on any flight out of Australia, that seems about the time where sitting that long causes my ankles to sometimes swell the day after landing. The socks prevent this. I put them on at home before the flight and they come off when I get to the hotel the other end. Have a few pairs of them as a result of a couple of hospital trips. I don't find them to be either comfortable or uncomfortable.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

They are designed to reduce risk of DVT, have only every worn for surgery and they certainly were not comfortable.

I cant imagine they could make flying more comfortable unless you have some sort of medical issue where you feet/ankles/lower legs swell when flying.

There are different grades of compression socks. The flight socks by Scholl obviously aren’t as tight or restrictive as they are comfortable to wear and make a huge difference to flight comfort… no sore legs, no sore ankles, no swelling. I don’t have any medical conditions.

 

[woolloomooloo]

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

Do you mean you get pain in your legs when taking a long flight? I'm asking because I don't have heard of this before and only considered the socks as something against thrombosis.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Do you mean you get pain in your legs when taking a long flight? I'm asking because I don't have heard of this before and only considered the socks as something against thrombosis.

I suspect it’s more discomfort rather than ‘pain’, and probably caused by slight swelling from lack of movement, sitting for an extended period with your legs downwards and inactive.

 

[bktraveler]

I have 2 different pairs. The first look like the one in Rooflyer's post above. They're soft and comfy, but they don't compress as much as pair #2. While pair #2 compress very well, a consequence is that the cuff/welt at the top of each sock is uncomfortable. It's not quite a rash after wearing them for 24 hours (say, NYC to LAX/SFO to MEL including layovers), but it's sore and uncomfy. Still, they do a great job of reducing swelling.

 

[RooFlyer]

While pair #2 compress very well, a consequence is that the cuff/welt at the top of each sock is uncomfortable.

Yes, that's an issue; a compressed ring around any part of the leg is a negative ('a risk' one GP once told me). I have mine right up to the knee.

 

[pauldab]

I wear mine now daily while working at my desk, I don't get much time to walk around and made the decision after realising sitting at a desk is fairly the same as sitting long haul for 8+ hours.

I'll say the calf pain I had before regular wear in bed has almost gone away completely.