What Are Travel Compression Socks?

Travel compression socks are designed to support the blood and lymphatic systems of the legs.

They do this by using a gradual compression mechanism, whereby the greatest compression is exerted at the ankles, and the least pressure at the top of the leg.

This helps to improve blood circulation throughout the legs, and assist its return back to the heart. Travel compression socks can therefore be particularly useful in preventing deep vein thrombosis during long periods of inactivity.

In addition to this, compression socks can also be useful in preventing tired, aching and swollen legs due to physical inactivity. For more information on choosing the right type of travel compression socks, see the following article:

Selecting Travel Compression Socks

If you would like to learn more about deep vein thrombosis, and proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk, please see the following articles:

Travel Related Deep Vein Thrombosis

Causes Of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Reducing The Risk Of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Effectiveness Of Travel Compression Socks

The effectiveness of travel compression socks was shown in a 2001 study, where two groups of airline passengers were compared. One group wore travel compression socks for their journey, and the other did not.

The study found that there were no cases of deep vein thrombosis in the group wearing the travel compression socks, but 10% of the group who did not wear travel compression socks experienced deep vein thrombosis.

Travel compression socks are now recommended for people who will be travelling for long periods of time, and are unable to move about freely. Such examples could include long haul flights, car or coach journeys.

In addition to this, travel compression socks may also be recommended for people who remain seated for several hours at a time, or are on their feat for the majority of the day.

Do You Need Travel Compression Socks?

For the average person the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis is relatively small, and certainly not something you should be alarmed about.

However blood clots can happen, especially if you are inactive for very long periods (such as when travelling) and have a predisposed risk to developing clots.

Whilst travel compression socks are not needed by everyone, they do provide a low cost preventative measure that could significantly reduce your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.

So if you travel a lot, and feel you are at risk of developing blood clots, then you may want to consider getting yourself a pair of compression socks.