Think about the last time you were on a long flight, or even a long car ride. By the end of your trip, when you stand up, your legs feel cramped, sore, and tired. It's not all in your head. The negative effects of sitting for a long period of time are real. The good news: wearing compression socks can help keep your body safe as you travel, and can help to ease the discomfort associated with sitting in a stationary position for a long period of time. 

Why Are Compression Socks Good For Travel?

If you're wondering, "Do I need compression socks for travel?" you're not alone. You may have found conflicting information when you've researched why compression socks for travel are so highly recommended. It's likely that you've read that some health experts recommend compression socks for everyone who travels, while others recommend compression socks only for high risk groups of people. 

You're the expert on your own health, and it's important that you make the decisions that are best for your needs when it comes to preventative care, such as wearing compression socks while traveling. Let's take a look at why so many people turn to compression socks to help keep them safe while they're sitting still. 

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

In order to understand whether compression socks for travel are a good fit for your needs, it's key to first understand what happens to your body when you sit for long periods of time. When you're stuck in the same position for a long period of time, the chance of developing blood clots in your legs increases. The longer you're sitting, the higher the risk of developing a clot. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is the technical term for a life threatening blood clot that can develop after sitting for a long period of time. 

When a person experiences DVT, a blood clot forms in a vein. This typically happens in the lower body, but it can also happen in the arm. If DVT is caught quickly, the blood clot can usually be easily removed by a surgeon. In other cases, however, DVT can turn fatal. The blood clot can break off and stop the flow of blood to the brain, causing stroke or a pulmonary embolism, which can lead to brain damage or death. 

Who Is At Risk For DVT?

The risk of DVT is low for most people. The risk of developing a clot increases for people who have cancer, blood clotting disorders, sickle cell anemia, vascular disease, and diabetes. Other factors can also increase the risk of developing DVT, including taking birth control, smoking, being overweight, or being pregnant. If you have a risk factor for DVT, it's especially important that you wear compression socks while you travel. 

So... Why Wear Compression Socks For Travel?

Blood clots form in the body when blood pools in one area, remaining stagnant for a period of time. Gravity is the enemy when it comes to blood flow - when you're seated for a long period of time, blood can stay still in your limbs. Just like your blood clots when you cut yourself, the same thing can happen within your vein. In order to prevent blood clots, it's key that blood moves continuously throughout the body. 

While you're traveling, you know that it's important to get up and walk around the plane from time to time, or stop at rest stops if you're driving on the highway. When you do this, you're promoting healthy blood flow. While it's ideal to move around at least once an hour, this can be tough if you're on a packed flight or dealing with a tight schedule. 

Compression socks are a great way to prevent blood clots while traveling, especially if you aren't able to move around quite as much as you like while you make your way to your destination. Compression socks are especially important for people who have mobility issues and require equipment or assistance to exercise. 

According to Dr. Susan L. Besser, diplomate on the American Board of Obesity Medicine, "Stockings apply compression to the legs to 'squeeze' the blood back out of the veins and back 'uphill'.” This means that blood has less of an opportunity to remain in one space and form clots when you use compression stockings while you travel. 

Making The Call: Are Compression Socks Good For Travel?

If you're still wondering why compression socks for travel, know that the experts agree: compression socks are a simple, effective, inexpensive way to prevent a potentially life-threatening condition. When you choose to put on compression socks before a flight, you're taking a few moments to ensure that you reach your destination safely - and can continue to enjoy your life long after you land. 

Compression socks come in a variety of compression levels, and compression levels appropriate for travel are readily available without a prescription. If you have health conditions that make you concerned about whether compression socks are a good idea for you, be sure to talk with your doctor before you give them a try. 

Searching For Compression Socks For Travel? We Can Help. 

At Discount Surgical, we've been working with customers for more than two decades to provide the medical products they need to stay safe and healthy. If you're looking for compression socks for travel benefits, we've got you covered. It's our job to keep you safe as you enjoy your life, and that means helping you travel worry-free. Feel free to browse our site and to reach out to us if you have any questions.