WHY SHOULD YOU WEAR COMPRESSION SOCKS ON YOUR NEXT FLIGHT?
Long flights are the worst, especially in the economy class. Those uncomfortable seats, crying babies, and rude people reclining on you. If you often get on planes for business trips, we feel sorry for you.
And that’s not all. Once you land and get off the plane, you experience some pain in your legs and ankles. The more you walk to the checkpoint and luggage claim, the more they scream “OUCH!”.
Credits: Tenor
If you want a smooth flight back home, buy some compression socks. We will explain to you what they are and why you should wear them on your next long flight. Scratch that—for all your long flights… ever.
1. WHAT ARE COMPRESSION SOCKS, AND HOW DO THEY WORK?
Compression socks press on your lower legs that stimulate blood circulation. Credits – Reviewed.
Compression socks are special socks that press on your lower legs. The grip stimulates your veins and leg muscles to keep blood flowing in your legs while seated. This avoids swellings, pain, blood clots, and pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in the lung’s arteries).
2. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPRESSION SOCKS?
3 types of compression socks: nonmedical support hosiery, graduated compression socks, and anti-embolism stockings. Credits: Left – Healthline; Middle – Zensah; Right – .
There are three kinds of compression socks to choose from: nonmedical support hosiery, graduated compression socks, and anti-embolism stockings.
Nonmedical support hosiery takes good care of weary legs and boosts circulation. They are worn at any length and don’t need medical consultancy. You can buy these socks at any store without a medical prescription.
Graduated compression socks promote circulation by squeezing your ankles. If they’re worn way up to your leg, then they’ll be less tight. Seek professional advice on how to wear them and get a medical prescription to buy a pair.
Anti-embolism stockings stop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (blood clot in veins). They are designed for those with mobility issues. A medical prescription is also needed to buy them.
3. HOW DO YOU PUT ON COMPRESSION SOCKS?
This video tutorial shows you how to put on compression socks. Credits: YouTube.
Compression socks are not easy to put on because of the fabric, elasticity, and thickness. Watch the video and learn how to master it with time and practice. Just think of putting on compression socks like putting on tights—same procedure.
4. WHEN TO WEAR THE SOCKS
Wear compression socks if your flight is longer than 5 hours. You can even start wearing them before going to the airport.
Even though the socks do miracles to your legs, they can cause side effects if worn too long for some people. Some side effects include itching, burning sensations, and bruises. Consult a professional to see if compression socks are suited for you.
If you want to avoid the side effects, you don’t have to wear them the minute you leave home. Keep a pair in your bag and wear them before flying.
Think about hygiene when you’re putting the socks on in an airplane too. Make sure your feet and shoes are clean, or you might eject the oxygen masks!
Credits: Tenor
We hope this article made you understand why you must wear compression socks on your next flight. Will you consider wearing a pair on your first flight after the COVID-19 pandemic?
For more foot care tips, click here.