Each day, about 2.5 million people use airplanes to reach distant destinations. For most travelers, that means spending several hours in a cramped airline seat with little room to move. The next time you need to fly, make sure you wear a pair of compression socks. They will help you stay more comfortable and avoid health problems.
Compression Socks Can Prevent Blood Clots
Anyone who sits in a stationary position for four hours or longer has an increased risk of developing blood clots, called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT usually happens when a blood clot forms in a leg vein. When you count the amount of time spent waiting for your flight, most air travel takes at least four hours.
DVT can cause several symptoms, including swelling, skin discoloration and pain. Putting on a pair of compression socks will improve your circulation and help you avoid those symptoms.
More importantly, wearing compression socks will lower the risk that you get a blood clot that breaks free and travels to your lungs. This condition, which is called a pulmonary embolism, can kill you. In this case, compression socks are literally lifesavers.
Compression Socks Help Prevent Your Legs From Swelling
Even if sitting still for several hours doesn't cause DVT, you may still experience uncomfortable swelling in your legs. The swelling happens because blood accumulates in your legs and feet instead of circulating evenly through your body.
Since compression socks use pressure to squeeze your legs, they can prevent your veins from getting larger during your flight. The better your blood circulates, the less likely it is that your legs will swell.
You'll Have More Energy After Your Flight
Poor blood circulation is one of the reasons that people often feel tired after long flights. When your blood doesn't circulate well, energy and nutrients don't get delivered to all of your cells.
Wearing compression socks improves your circulation, so you should have more energy when you reach your destination. Instead of feeling groggy and fatigued, you'll have enough pep to enjoy your vacation or get to work.
You can find a variety of compression socks at the FITS website. FITS offers compression socks for men and compression socks for women in a range of colors and materials, including nylon and wool.