Why Travelers Wear Support Socks On Long Flights ?
Wearing Support Sock
Flying long distances between cities or across the ocean needs several hours of travel. Passengers on a plane ar usually confined to a awfully little space during this era. The feet and legs are motionless for a long portion of the flight because of limited space. This affects the circulation n the body. Blood is drawn downward during this period of inactivity. It collects in the ankles, feet and legs. Gravity, reduced circulation and other issues make it difficult for the blood to move normally against gravity through the veins and back to the heart. This results in swelling that could cause pain and stiffness for several days. It could also lead to the development of deep vein
thrombosis and blood clots. A common solution is to wear support socks during a long flight.
Support socks cover the feet, ankles and lower legs in a material that has been manufactured to provide consistent pressure against the skin.This gently squeezes the veins and tissue so the consequences of inactivity and gravity ar counteracted. The blood beneath the sock is drawn into the area by gravity and circulation. The pressure from the material provides a small amount of extra tension that forces the blood to continue upwards against gravity and back into the regular circulatory paths. The tension also provides support for the veins so that they don't distort or swell.
The primary benefit of wearing support socks when flying is that blood does not pool in the legs. This will stop swelling that could make it difficult to walk for the next few days. Maintaining good circulation while on a plane also helps to prevent the development of blood clots and other obstructions that sometimes result in conditions like deep vein thrombosis or chronic venous insufficiency. Many travelers find that the socks make moving around the plane much easier after sitting for a long period of time.
Using The Socks
Support socks come in a range of sizes. It is important to choose the correct size. Pairs that do not fit properly are not effective. They should be placed on the feet before arriving at the airport. The legs should remain in the stockings for the duration of the flight. Taking them off allows blood to rush into the area that causes swelling that is hard to manage. The material and the top band should be fully extended over the skin and should not be allowed to bunch up because of physical movement or contact. Individuals who are traveling quite frequently should always test to see if the support socks are providing the same level of compression. Older pairs should be replaced when necessary.