Are you off to a weekend getaway or planning a long vacation? If yes, then review your itinerary, check your belongings, and rest up for your trip, especially if you have a long flight.

If you’re traveling overseas, don't forget to get travel insurance, suggested vaccinations, supplies, and compressions socks.

Yes, you read that right - get a good pair of compression socks which you should wear when you’re flying long flights. Immobility in long flights can often lead to swelling ankles or, worse, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where blood clots form in your legs.

DVT and Long-Haul Flights 

Wear compression socks if you are on a flight that lasts for more than five hours. Seating and being immobile longer can lead to blood circulation problems and DVT, according to the World Health Organization.

During long-distance travel by plane, car, train or bus. However, it is three times more likely to happen when flying long-haul. Moreso, the risk is higher for travelers with multiple long-haul flights.

3 Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks

Warm Feet

Enclosed spaces like public transportation need to be cold to keep the area dry and to ensure proper air circulation. But sometimes, it can be too cold, especially for your feet. So, wear compression socks to maintain blood flow and to keep your feet and body warm.

Blood Circulation

When flying, wear a pair of compression socks to avoid any blood circulation problems. The way it’s built helps in blood circulation. So, the more oxygen your legs receive, then you experience less soreness or swelling or not at all.

Minimize Fluid Retention

Long flights mean that your body can be inactive for hours, and this can result in edema or fluid buildup in your legs. To avoid this, wear compression socks as it applies pressure in your legs and helps the fluid, known as lymph, to move freely and decrease feet swelling.

How to Choose the Right Compression Socks

There are a lot of brands and types of compression socks in the market; however, here are some of the things you should consider before buying a pair or two:

Antibacterial 

Choose a pair of socks that are made of antibacterial material. This can help with the foul smell on feet or shoes as these are treated with antibacterial technology and can help fight unpleasant feet odor.

Length and Size

Compression socks have various measures, including ankle height, thigh-highs, support hose, and leggings.

A medical condition can affect the length of the compression socks that suits you. However, most travelers can use the standard compression sock length.

Don't forget to consider the size, too. Choose socks that best fit your feet size and calves and remember that the socks must be comfortably tight on you.

Keep Your Feet Dry

We also recommend that you choose a moisture-wicking fabric to keep your feet dry and warm even in the hottest weather.

Pressure

Millimeters of Mercury or mmHg is the unit of measurement to measure the level of compression of the sock. There are different levels of mmHg, including 8 - 15 mmHg (light compression) to 40 - 50 mmHg (maximum compression), that you can choose from.

How to Put on Compression Socks Properly?

Dry Your Skin

Make sure that your skin is dry. If you applied lotion, wait until your skin totally absorbs the lotion. Properly drying your skin is essential moisture can make it challenging to pull the socks on.

Sit Comfortably

Sit comfortably on a stable chair to ensure that you won't get off balance when putting on the socks.

Check the Seams

Make sure that the seams run straight with no wrinkle. Do not fold the top of your socks!

I'm Now Wearing My Compression Socks, What's Next?

Remove Your Shoes

When you're on board, you can take your shoes off so you can wiggle your toes. Your feet will also feel less warm, which will help minimize swelling.

Drink Water

Dry spaces and dehydration can make your blood thicker. So, choose to drink water instead of coffee or alcohol, especially if you have long flights.

Are Compression Socks Just for Traveling? 

We all need proper blood circulation all the time. So, we highly recommend that you wear compression socks if you:

• mostly stand up at work,
• exercise strenuously, or
• have leg ulcers or diabetes.

So, get a pair or two pairs of compression socks now for your holiday!