Compression socks on a plane: when to wear them, how long to wear them, and what to do after the flight

The material was prepared with the participation of doctor Musaev T.R.

A long flight is several hours in a seated position, limited legroom, and reduced physical activity. Some passengers experience heaviness in their legs, swelling in the feet and calves, and a feeling of fullness after the flight. For individuals with risk factors, such conditions may be associated not only with discomfort but also with increased strain on the venous system. Compression socks are used on airplanes as part of measures aimed at supporting venous outflow during long trips. However, it is important to understand that medical compression garments are not selected "by eye." The class of compression, size, model, and duration of wear are determined by a doctor, taking into account the condition of the veins, accompanying diseases, and the purpose of use.

Why compression socks are used during flights

During a flight, the legs remain in one position for a long time. The calf muscles work less actively than when walking, so the natural mechanism for moving venous blood upward becomes less pronounced. Against this background, some passengers experience increased swelling, heaviness, and fatigue in their legs.

Comment by Musaev Teymuraz Ruslanovich, phlebologist, cardiovascular surgeon, ultrasound doctor:

"If you have flown on a plane for more than 6 hours, I think you know the answer to the question: 'why wear compression garments while traveling.' By the time you exit the plane, your feet do not fit into the shoes you wore when you took off. At high altitudes, the partial pressure in the airplane cabin decreases, and additionally, the ability to move is limited. As a result, the legs swell. Compression helps avoid this swelling. Plus, there is hypodynamia: you move little during the flight, and you are forced to sit in a chair. This can provoke thrombosis. There are such traveler's thromboses."

Medical compression socks create distributed pressure on the lower limbs. This principle helps maintain venous outflow and reduce stagnation if the garment is properly fitted. People who already have varicose veins, chronic venous diseases, a tendency to swell, have undergone surgeries, are pregnant, have excess weight, or other individual risk factors usually pay particular attention to the issue of compression during flights. In these cases, the decision to use compression garments should be made after consulting a doctor.

When to put on compression socks before the flight

If a doctor has prescribed compression socks for the flight, they are usually put on before the start of the long sitting period. In practice, it is more convenient to do this at home or in a hotel before heading to the airport when the legs have not yet had time to swell after the journey, queues, and waiting for boarding. Putting them on at the airport or already on the plane may be less convenient. In limited space, it is more difficult to properly distribute the garment on the leg, smooth out wrinkles, and ensure that the top edge is not twisted. Compression garments should lie flat, without creases and areas of excessive tension. Wrinkles can create localized pressure and cause discomfort. If the garment slips, twists, or exerts excessive pressure in certain areas, it is a reason to check the size and the correctness of the garment selection.

How long to wear compression socks on the plane

The duration of wear depends on the purpose of use and the doctor's prescription. In the context of air travel, compression socks are most often used for the duration of the journey: from the moment before departure or before boarding until the end of the flight and exiting the airport. If the flight is short and there are no risk factors, the doctor may give one set of recommendations. If the flight is long, there are layovers, waiting between flights, or the journey to the airport takes several hours, the scheme may differ. Therefore, there is no universal time suitable for all passengers. It is important to consider not only the duration of the flight itself but also the entire period of immobility: transfer, check-in, waiting for boarding, flight, passport control, and baggage claim. Sometimes the total travel time turns out to be significantly longer than the time in the air.

During the flight

During the flight, compression socks should remain evenly distributed on the leg. They should not be rolled down from the top, rolled into a roll, or partially removed to the level of the ankle. Such actions change the distribution of pressure and can lead to discomfort. If there is pronounced pain, numbness, a feeling of strong constriction, changes in skin color, or any other unusual symptoms, the garment should be removed, and medical advice should be sought. Compression garments should not be perceived as "the tighter, the better." Their task is not to constrict the leg but to create the required medical pressure. During the flight, the overall organization of the journey is also important: comfortable seating, loose clothing, no pressure from tight shoes and belts, and the ability to periodically change the position of the legs. However, any special preventive measures in the presence of risk factors should be determined by a doctor.

After the flight

After landing, it is not always advisable to remove compression garments immediately in the airplane seat. After exiting the plane, there is often another period of strain: walking through the airport, passport control, waiting for luggage, and the journey home or to the hotel.

If the doctor has not provided a different scheme, many passengers remove their socks only after completing the main part of the journey, when they can calmly assess the condition of their legs and change in comfortable conditions. This is especially relevant after night flights, long layovers, and flights with extended transfers. After removing the socks, it is worth paying attention to the sensations in the legs. Light marks from the elastic or seams may appear due to contact between the fabric and the skin. However, pronounced indentations, pain, numbness, skin irritation, or persistent discomfort may indicate an incorrect size, an unsuitable model, or the need for a follow-up consultation.

Who should especially discuss compression garments with a doctor

Before flying, a doctor's consultation is especially important if a person has varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, a history of thrombosis, pronounced leg swelling, pregnancy, recent surgery, lower limb injury, cancer, hormonal medication use, or other conditions affecting the risk of venous complications. The doctor assesses not only the fact of flying but also the overall condition of the patient. For one person, a standard approach to choosing medical garments may be sufficient, while another may require an individual prevention and monitoring scheme. Self-selection based on the principle of "buy any socks for the plane" does not always solve the problem. The class of compression, length of the garment, exact size, skin condition, tolerance of compression, and presence of contraindications are important.

How to properly choose compression socks for a flight

Medical compression garments are selected based on measurements of the leg. Usually, the circumferences at several points and the length of the limb are taken into account. The size chart depends on the specific manufacturer, so relying solely on height, weight, or regular clothing size is insufficient. Different types of garments can be used for flights: socks, stockings, or tights. The choice depends on the medical task, the condition of the veins, and the area where compression is needed. For example, for some conditions, the doctor may consider a knee-high garment, while for others, a higher one. The class of compression also matters. This is not a characteristic of "fabric density," but a medical pressure parameter. Therefore, the class of compression should not be chosen solely based on reviews, advice from acquaintances, or descriptions in online stores.

Why it is important to use only medical compression garments

Regular thick socks, shaping garments, or sports sleeves do not replace medical compression garments. In medical products, pressure must be distributed according to a specific principle and meet the stated parameters. For the user, this means a more predictable action of the garment. The garment should not just fit snugly on the leg but create the required compression in the necessary areas. This is why correct size, quality of knitting, stability of pressure, and compliance with medical requirements are important. When purchasing, it is worth paying attention to the status of the product, the presence of a registration certificate, and information about the manufacturer. For medical compression garments, this is especially important, as it is not just ordinary travel clothing but a medical product.

Common mistakes when using compression socks on a plane

One common mistake is buying compression socks right before the flight without selecting the size. As a result, the garment may slip, bunch up, or exert excessive pressure.

The second mistake is putting on socks only after the legs have noticeably swollen. In such a situation, it is more difficult to put the garment on, and the fit may be less comfortable.

The third mistake is thinking that stronger compression is always better. In practice, the level of compression should correspond to the medical task and the person's condition.

Another mistake is using the garment irregularly or incorrectly: rolling down the top edge, wearing with wrinkles, removing it mid-flight without reason, choosing an unsuitable length or model.

When to see a doctor after the flight

After the journey, it is important to pay attention to new or unusual symptoms. Medical consultation is needed if there is pronounced or unilateral swelling of the leg, calf pain, redness, localized increase in skin temperature, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or a sharp deterioration in well-being.

Such symptoms cannot be explained solely by fatigue after the flight. They should be assessed by a doctor.

Compression socks on a plane are not a universal measure for all situations and do not replace medical assistance. They are a medical product that can be part of an individually tailored strategy if there are grounds for it.

The company "Ekoten" has been producing medical compression garments for over 17 years. All products have Registration Certificates and are included in the "Register of Russian Industrial Products." Any decisions regarding the prescription of compression products are made exclusively by the attending physician. This material is for informational purposes only.

 

Follow us on our group on VKontakte