What Do Flight Socks Actually Do?

Many people ask 'what do flight socks actually do?' Well first and foremost, if you are in an 'at-risk' category of developing a blood clot, then they could save your life, and for those that are not at risk, the pro's to wearing them outweigh the con's, so investing in a pair is highly, recommended.

They are made in a unique way, so they can exert a measured amount of pressure on the legs, where the pressure is most at the ankle and decreases towards the top of the sock, this is called 'Graduated Compression'.

This gentle, pressure helps the leg veins to return blood back towards the Heart, rather than it stagnating and pooling in the ankles and lower legs. It is effective in aiding the blood circulation and the lymphatic flow, which is perfect for preventing or eliminating those puffy feet or swollen ankles that generally, appear to haunt us when travelling, being on our feet all day or sat for long periods of time.

For those who are at risk of developing a blood clot, compression socks will help to maintain a healthy blood circulation, at a time when you are less mobile (sitting for long periods in a car, plane, coach or camper).

So you need to know that if any of these describe you, then you may be 'at-risk':

- Taking Oral Contraception

- Pregnant/Post-Partum

- HRT

- Obese

- Smoker

- Over 60 Years of Age

- Historic DVT, Varicose Veins or Thrombophilia

- Current Medical Illness (Diagnosed/Unknown) Always check with your doctor before travelling

- Recent Trauma, Hospitalisation or Surgery

- Cancer/Chemotherapy

- Mobility Impaired

But we are not here to scare you, just to make everyone aware of the precautions that can be taken for those who need to travel, whether short or long haul, and by any means of transport. If you are lucky enough not to tick any of the above, then the simple way in which graduated compression works, can also act as a handy, therapy for your feet and legs, as well as being a useful deterrant for any appearing symptoms of poor venous return that may pop up in the future.

Take an athlete, for example, or even a local, runner. If they wear a pair of sports compression socks (ones made of graduated compression), their legs will benefit from the extra, help exerted by the pressure of the socks on their leg veins. Whilst they are running, the socks help maintain the improvement of the blood circulation, helping to carry oxygen around the body and the leg muscles. When the blood circulation is improved, so too, is the lymphatic system, which helps to detoxify the body. The result is less post-workout swelling, less leg fatigue, less cramping and quicker recovery times.

So how does that benefit you? Well, by wearing flight socks/travel socks, they too, are made with graduated compression, which as we know, helps improve your blood circulation and lymphatic flow. If you wear them when you know you are going to be on your feet all day or when you will be less immobile due to sitting for long periods, like when you are travelling, your legs will feel more energised, lighter and healthier, they really do put a 'spring in your step'. Plus, they help prevent the onset of swelling, varicose veins and leg fatigue, which normal everyday socks, don' t do.

So next time you are preparing for your holidays, make sure you put travel socks on your list and give us a call on 01353 624624. We have a small, team of friendly people who are waiting to help you choose the right product, and with 24 years experience and products to suit all shapes and sizes (do not purchase by shoe size, by the way), we can help you get the best garment for your money.

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