Should you wear flight socks when flying?

Compression socks help deter potential blood clots “Compression stockings and socks can promote comfort while traveling and be one of the easiest ways to avoid blood clots associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT),” explains Dr. Bob Bacheler, managing director and flight nurse at Flying Angels.



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Being able to stand up and walk around or stretching is limited on a plane; therefore, promoting blood circulation is necessary. “Compression socks help to increase circulation, thus preventing swelling in your lower legs and feet,” he explains.

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Advantages of Compression Socks for Travelers On long flights, wearing graduated compression travel socks can be beneficial because of the health concerns associated with extended periods of sitting. These socks help balance the pressure in your legs and ankles, promoting consistent blood circulation.

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Prolonged sitting during flights can increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition where blood clots develop in the legs. Wearing compression socks on a long flight helps reduce this risk by promoting healthy blood flow.

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Cut Down On Shoes
A pair of sneakers or walking shoes, a pair of sandals for warm weather or small boots for cold weather, and maybe one more pair of stylish slip-on shoes or low heels for dressier occasions is really all you ever need. BONUS TIP: Wear the heaviest pair of shoes on the plane.

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Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure if you have additional risk factors for blood clots. Taking aspirin to prevent blood clots when traveling is not recommended.

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Vim and Vigr Nylon 15-20 mmHg Compression Socks “They come in different compression levels, fabrics (my favorite is the Merino wool for travel), and calf widths. They, by far, have the best variety, and I love my many pairs!” The 15 to 20 mmHg pressure is perfect for travel because it allows for all-day wear.

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Why should you wear socks at the airport? Airport floors, like most public floors, are covered in germs, including bacteria associated with the common cold, influenza, E. coli, and listeria. Sharp objects are also a danger, and open sores make feet more susceptible to picking up bacteria.

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Another small risk of going barefoot at the airport? The number of germs and pathogens present in a place where so many people are walking, including fungus that causes warts and athlete's foot, as well as bacteria, and viruses that can cause infection or illness.

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The simplest answer to this question is that they should feel snug, but not painfully tight. However, compression socks come in various levels of pressure, so it can be difficult to judge whether or not they fit you solely on how they feel and it is often beneficial to look at the way they sit on your leg too.

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Whether you are wearing compression socks, stockings, or arm sleeves, you need to replace them regularly. In order for the compression garments to work effectively, we recommend that you replace them every 6 months.

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It's recommended to start wearing compression socks before you board your flight or hop in the car for a long trip. Since it's safe to wear your travel compression socks for 16+ hours, don't worry about putting them on early in the day. I bought compression socks for the whole family for a 9-hour air flight.

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#3 Doubling Up You should not wear a normal pair of socks over your compression stockings. The compression stocking in itself will function as a normal sock too. Don't double up, there is no reason to.

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