Compression socks can help prevent leg swelling on flights and reduce the risk of blood clots. Doctors may recommend them if you have a history of clots or certain health conditions.
Swollen legs and feet that occur after a long flight are uncomfortable, but not uncommon.
When you spend a lot of time in a confined space and are unable to move around much, the veins in your legs can have a hard time circulating blood back up to your heart. This can cause pressure and swelling in the lower half of your legs.
Wearing compression socks while flying may help minimize post-flight swelling.
While compression socks offer benefits for air travelers, there are a few things to consider before trying them.
It is also important to seek medical advice if there are concerns about deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Medical treatment is necessary as the condition can be life threatening.
Keep reading to learn what you need to know about wearing compression socks for flying, including the types of socks and who should and shouldn’t wear them.
Compression socks and stockings are garments that squeeze and stimulate circulation in the calves and feet. They fit tightly around the body and have a bit of stretch built into their fabric, so they hold their shape.
There are three primary types of compression socks: graduated compression socks, nonmedical support hosiery, and antiembolism socks.
Graduated compression socks
Graduated compression socks encourage circulation by applying pressure at your ankles. As the socks move up your leg, they become less tight.
Higher-pressure graduated compression socks generally require a prescription and a professional fitting. They’re typically designed to meet certain medical standards for flexibility, strength, and length.
Nonmedical support hosiery
Nonmedical support hosiery is usually more flexible and provides less compression than graduated compression socks.
They don’t require a prescription and are readily available in stores and online. Nonmedical support hosiery is typically for managing tired legs and to encourage circulation.
Anti-embolism socks
In general, anti-embolism socks are made for people with limited mobility.
Similar to graduated compression socks, these socks require a prescription to purchase.
When you’re on a long flight, there are minimal opportunities for moving around. When you’re cramped in a small space and unable to move much, circulation between your heart and lower legs slows down.
Your calf muscles are responsible for sending blood from the lower half of your body back up through your circulatory system to your heart. When these muscles aren’t constricting, circulation isn’t happening efficiently. You may experience swelling, tingling, and discomfort.
Reduced circulation can
Wearing compression socks while flying may help to reduce these risks.
When to put compression socks on
To wear compression socks for flying, you may want to practice putting them on a few times before your flight.
Getting them on your feet, especially in the tight confines of an airplane, can take some getting used to. The best time to put them on might be right before you board, while you’re waiting at your gate.
How long to wear compression socks for
You can wear compression socks for extended periods, so you can begin wearing them at home before you begin your journey to the airport.
However, while side effects are generally rare, discomfort and potential side effects may occur after several hours of continuous use.
How to avoid blood clots while flying
Compression socks aren’t the only option for avoiding blood clots while traveling. Other tips include the following:
- Maximize in-flight legroom by stowing all your belongings in overhead compartments.
- Drink plenty of water before and during your flight.
- Avoid high sodium and salty foods while you’re at the airport and in flight.
- Perform ankle pumps frequently throughout the flight. This involves pumping the foot up and down.
- If you’re able to, stand up and walk the length of the airplane every hour or so during long flights.
Compression socks do have some side effects. Even if you’re used to wearing compression socks at home, the dry air, cramped conditions, and unpredictable nature of air travel can make side effects more likely.
Possible side effects of wearing compression socks while flying include:
- itching
- loss of circulation
- burning or chafing
- bruises
Keep in mind that, when your compression socks are properly fitted, side effects aren’t as likely to occur.
Your doctor may recommend compression socks for travel if you have:
- chronic venous insufficiency
- a history of blood clots
- recently had surgery for varicose veins
Even if you don’t have any of the above conditions, compression socks can make your flight more comfortable if you tend to experience swelling and loss of circulation during air travel.
Who shouldn’t wear compression socks?
If you have easily bruised skin or a compromised skin layer that scrapes or bruises easily, wearing compression socks isn’t advisable.
They can cause injury to your skin, and the chafing or sores caused by compression socks can even lead to an infection.
If you’re unsure whether compression socks are a good choice for you, talk with a doctor before using them on a long trip.
Compression socks may also be helpful when you’re traveling by car. Long car trips can confine your legs, suppress circulation, and cause the same blood pooling and swelling symptoms as a long flight.
This is especially true if you’re the passenger in a car, since at least the act of driving stimulates movement in your calves. If you travel often by car, consider packing some compression socks for your next cross-country drive.
If you suspect you have blood clots or DVT, you should speak with a doctor, regardless of whether you have a big trip coming up or not.
Signs and symptoms that should warrant immediate medical attention include:
- swelling in one leg or both legs
- persistent leg cramps that you can’t get rid of
- visible veins in your legs that are red or swollen to the touch
- sudden skin discoloration or swelling in your leg
Compression socks are a simple treatment that can make long flights more comfortable. If you have a history of blood clots or venous insufficiency, compression socks can help promote healthy circulation and ease your concerns while flying.
If you already wear over-the-counter, nonmedical support socks often, you might want to consider speaking with your doctor about whether they recommend a prescription pair.
Never ignore or try to self-treat symptoms of DVT. The condition can be life threatening and requires treatment guided by a medical professional.