With school holidays and “Euro Summer” approaching, it’s detrimental to take care of you feet, particularly on the long flights. Read below for Highett Podiatry’s guide to flight socks:

Flight socks, also known as compression socks or travel socks, are specialised garments designed to promote circulation and prevent specific health issues associated with extended periods of sitting, especially during air travel. They are typically worn during flights or prolonged periods of immobility, such as car rides or long hours at a desk job. Here is an in-depth look at flight socks, including their uses, benefits, comfort, when to use them, and how long they should be worn.

Flight socks are specially designed compression garments that provide graduated pressure to the legs, with the highest pressure at the ankle and gradually decreasing pressure as the sock goes up the leg. They are typically made from elastic materials that help compress the veins and improve blood flow back to the heart. This compression helps to prevent blood from pooling in the legs, reducing the risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) and alleviating symptoms associated with poor circulation, such as swelling and discomfort.

Why should I travel wearing Flight Socks?

1. Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT is a serious condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs, often due to long periods of immobility. Flight socks help to improve circulation, reducing the risk of DVT during long flights.
2. Reduced Swelling: Sitting for extended periods can cause fluid buildup in the legs, leading to swelling. Flight socks compress the tissues, preventing excessive fluid accumulation and reducing swelling.
3. Improved Comfort: Flight socks’ compression can help alleviate discomfort and achiness in the legs, especially during lengthy periods of sitting.
4. Prevention of Varicose Veins: Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, often resulting from weakened valves and poor circulation. Flight socks can help prevent the development or worsening of varicose veins by improving blood flow.
5. Enhanced Energy Levels: By promoting circulation, flight socks may help reduce fatigue and promote a feeling of lightness in the legs, allowing travellers to arrive at their destination feeling more refreshed.
6. Reducing bruising and symptoms of soft tissue injuries:  For example following an ankle sprain, wearing a compression garment is indicated to reduce the excess swelling. 

Comfort and Design:

Flight socks are designed to be comfortable for extended wear. They are typically made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials that keep the feet and legs dry. The compression is strategically graduated, with the highest pressure at the ankle, gradually decreasing as it moves up the leg. This design helps to promote blood flow without causing discomfort or restricting movement. Additionally, many flight socks feature reinforced heel and toe areas for durability and cushioning.

What are the differences between flight socks, compression socks and recovery compression?

Flight socks, compression socks, and recovery compression garments are all types of compression wear designed to promote circulation and improve overall leg health, but they serve slightly different purposes and may vary in their design and intended use.

Flight Socks:

Flight socks, also known as travel socks or flight compression socks, are specifically designed for use during air travel or other situations involving prolonged sitting or immobility. They typically feature graduated compression, with the highest pressure at the ankle and gradually decreasing pressure as the sock moves up the leg. Flight socks aim to prevent conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and reduce discomfort and swelling associated with long flights. They are generally lightweight and breathable, making them comfortable for extended wear during travel.

Compression Socks:

Compression socks are a broader category of compression wear that includes various types of garments designed to provide graduated compression to the legs. While flight socks are a type of compression sock, compression socks may also include medical-grade compression stockings used to manage conditions such as venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and lymphedema. Compression socks are available in different compression levels and may be prescribed by healthcare professionals for specific therapeutic purposes. They come in various styles, lengths, and materials to accommodate different needs and preferences.

Recovery Compression Garments:

Recovery compression garments are designed to be worn after intense physical activity or exercise to aid in muscle recovery and reduce post-exercise soreness and fatigue. These garments typically provide graduated compression to specific muscle groups, promoting blood flow and facilitating the removal of metabolic waste products from the muscles. Recovery compression garments are often worn during the post-exercise recovery period to accelerate muscle repair and reduce inflammation. They may include compression socks, sleeves, shorts, tights, or full-body garments, depending on the targeted areas of compression.

Key Differences:

1. Purpose: Flight socks are primarily intended for use during air travel or prolonged periods of sitting to prevent circulatory issues such as DVT and reduce discomfort. Compression socks may serve various purposes, including medical treatment for venous disorders, athletic performance enhancement, and general leg health. Recovery compression garments are specifically designed for post-exercise recovery to promote muscle repair and reduce soreness.
2. Design: While flight socks and compression socks both provide graduated compression, their design may differ based on their intended use. Flight socks are often lightweight and breathable, with a focus on comfort during long periods of wear. Compression socks may vary in design and compression levels, depending on the specific therapeutic needs of the wearer. Recovery compression garments typically target specific muscle groups and may have a tighter fit to maximize compression effectiveness.
3. Intended Use: Flight socks are primarily worn during air travel or other situations involving prolonged sitting or immobility. Compression socks may be worn for various purposes, including medical treatment, athletic performance, and general leg health. Recovery compression garments are specifically intended for use during the post-exercise recovery period to enhance muscle recovery and reduce soreness.

Our podiatrists at Highett Podiatry are all trained in the prescription and advice of compression therapy.  We commonly advise the use of compression for the recovery of injuries, venous insufficiency and general vascular health.  If you have any questions or are wondering if this is something that you may benefit from, please have a chat with your consulting podiatrist when you are next in the clinic.