Ever experienced swollen and painful legs during a long flight? That is because of sitting for extended periods. The blood circulation around your abdomen going down to your legs cannot properly flow due to inactivity. Now, for you not to experience this dilemma every time you travel and sit for hours on end, you need to wear compression socks.
There is no better way to rid you of discomfort but by wearing compression socks or stockings. It encourages proper blood circulation on your legs down to your feet. Compression legwear gently applies pressure on your lower extremities ensuring that your blood will reach the lower region of your body.
If you frequently travel, it would also be a great idea that you get used to the notion of traveling with your new buddy.
1. How To Choose Compression Socks for Travel
What you read was right that your best friend during long flights is compression socks. Look for the best compression socks and don’t just base it on what you see or just purchase the first pair you lay your eyes on. Pressure socks have specifications that you have to consider first. It is like wearing shoes, if it doesn’t fit, you know the outcome. So here are tips on how to choose the right pair of compression socks.
Size matters:
Yes! It always does for footwear! Whether you are standing, walking, or sitting, the right size matters to your feet. If the compression is too tight, it may also impede blood circulation and if it’s too loose, it may not serve its purpose.
Measure the pressure:
There are several pressure compression socks offered. Depending on your need, you can choose the correct compression for you.
Material preference:
Compression socks are available in different materials. There are nylon, Lycra, spandex, and polyester. So depending on your skin sensitivity, just choose the fabric that is most comfortable for your skin
Length and coverage:
What’s your preference? Ankle-high, knee-high, sleeves, thigh-high? It is really up to your needs and comfort. Others may prefer compression sleeves that only cover the calves. While some may feel pain towards the thigh which means compression stockings would be needed.
Design:
There are trendier looks for compression socks these days. Not just boring black, beige, or white. There are many colors and designs that you can choose from.
But a little disclaimer. Not everyone can wear compression socks. Why? Because there are medical conditions that you may have which can affect you if you wear compression stockings or socks. Take note also of your skin’s sensitivity because you will be wearing these socks for a long time.
So if you are planning to travel and want to buy compression legwear, do your research on your medical condition. Better yet, consult your doctor for further medical advice. Keep in mind that your safety should be a priority.
2. Types of Compression Socks
There are different types of compression socks available in the market and all you need to do is get the proper information, as mentioned above, before making a purchase. The types of compression socks or stockings according to the level of pressure are:
Graduated Compression Socks
This type of socks improves blood circulation by applying firm pressure from the ankles and gradually decreases upwards. Graduated compression socks are designed for movement and meet certain specifications that you need. This means that it needs a professional fitting by a foot specialist.
This can extend from below the knee to the thigh ’til the waist. So depending on your need and medical condition, your doctor will recommend which one will suit you while you travel.
Non-medical support hosiery
This compression legwear doesn’t need a prescription. This is designed to be more comfortable compared to graduated compression socks. Although the level of compression is not as firm as the former, non-medical support hosiery still serves its purpose. If you have no medical issues, you wouldn’t need any prescriptive socks.
Anti-embolism socks
Anti-embolism socks are ideal for people who have limited mobility such as individuals who just recovered from surgery. It is also designed to prevent the growth of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). most likely, this type of compression socks is great to use for traveling if there you have no medical problems at all.
In conclusion, if you frequently travel boarding a plane, it is essential that you carry it along with you, or even wear it going to the airport, compression socks. Since you will be stuck in one position that is sometimes cramped, your legs would need all the comfort of compression socks or stockings.
No more inflammation, discomfort, and pain after a long flight. And you would also be able to avoid developing DVT in the future.
Unisex
8-15 mmHg