As the old saying goes "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure;" they must have been thinking of compression socks. Nowadays, there are so many different comfortable styles that there is no reason for people to not be wearing compression socks. Moreover, there is one situation in which compression is especially necessary: Travel.
Benefits
Whether you are constantly traveling for business or you are traveling for the first time, the benefits of wearing compression socks are manifold. Whether traveling by plane, train, automobile or bus, most of the time you are not moving much or at all. Because the calf muscle is not moving, your blood moves slower in the lower leg which can cause a potentially life-threatening blood clot, or a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). Compression socks will increase the blood flow and help prevent lower leg swelling as well as blood clots.
Swelling of the lower leg is quite common and compression socks are very beneficial in controlling swelling as well as lessening the risk of DVT. Your legs will feel energized and refreshed so that you can enjoy that business trip or vacation when you arrive. Some travelers have also found that on long flights, the effects of jet lag are reduced because compression socks increase blood flow with more oxygen flowing to legs.
Compression Socks
Typically a 15-20 mmHg compression sock is all you need to help prevent swelling and DVT. However, along with compression there are some great leg exercises you can do while traveling that will help your legs and make you feel great. While traveling flex your calf muscle by doing a heel to toe exercise or a figure eight with your toes this will increase the blood flow in your lower legs, giving you energized legs as well assisting the compression stockings in lowering the risk for DVT. In addition to these exercises, here are some great socks that would be ideal for a comfortable journey:
Sigvaris’s Cushioned Cotton is a great travel sock for both men and women. Everyone loves to be comfortable when they travel and cotton is one of the most comfortable materials.
Medi Comfort compression stockings are excellent with either a dressy or casual look.
Juzo Naturally Sheer is perhaps the most sheer compression stocking with a beautiful sheer look great for dinner parties or for traveling to those hot climates.
Wearing compression socks while traveling is both a great preventive product as well as giving you energy for your vacation or business trip. So here’s to your health and enjoy those energized legs.