Should you wear socks on long-haul flights?

If you are due to fly long haul and are worried about the risks of DVT, but are otherwise healthy, it may still be worthwhile wearing flight socks to reduce the chances of your blood clotting. They also help prevent swelling in your feet and ankles during your flight.



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Research has shown that wearing compression socks during long-haul flights can significantly reduce the risk of developing blood clots and alleviate symptoms of leg fatigue and discomfort.

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“Although long distance air travel increases the risk of DVT, the risk is still low. Patients who are at higher baseline risk for DVT or PE should wear compression stockings to reduce their risk of DVT, especially for long flights,” said Dr.

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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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Flight socks are compression socks which are designed to offer moderate pressure to the calves and legs. They help to encourage blood to flow back up your veins and towards your heart. Therefore, your blood is less likely to pool in your legs and feet, thus preventing clots from forming.

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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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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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?Preventive Measures
  1. Move around as much as possible.
  2. Choose an aisle seat where feasible as this is known to encourage moving around during the journey .
  3. Carry out calf muscle exercises: ...
  4. Try to avoid placing cabin baggage where it can restrict your leg movement.


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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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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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Compression socks come in many different levels of compression but for flying, socks with 8-20 mmHg are going to be your best bet. Many socks will fall in between this range like 8-15 mmHg, 12-14 mmHg or 15-20 mmhg. Compression levels over 20 mmHg are best worn when prescribed by a doctor.

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Compression socks prevent swelling 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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To prevent DVT, pilots and flight attendants should wear flight socks or tights with gradient compression. Wearing compression socks help to relieve fatigue, reduce possible swelling of legs and feet and aid blood circulation.

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Most people generally find that compression socks should feel snug but not too tight. You should be able to slip a finger under the fabric at the widest part of your calf without much resistance. If you can't do this, the socks are probably too tight and could cut off your circulation.

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They Reduce Swelling. Compression pantyhose gently squeeze your legs and feet, so they simply don't leave room for the fluid to collect and cause swelling. Plus, the graduated pressure of compression stockings encourages those fluids to keep moving, which further contributes to the decrease in swelling.

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The Transportation Security Administration randomly swabs passengers' hands at security checkpoints and airport gates to test them for traces of explosives. The TSA swabs are analyzed for nitroglycerin, nitrates, glycerin, or other chemicals. This was an expansion in 2010 from simply swabbing luggage and other items.

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