Travel
Support stockings wear on long-haul flights
Even in our modern world, taking long-haul flights can be physically stressful for the healthiest people and even more so for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Due to sitting still for hours, the leg muscles that normally regulate blood to the heart are inactive, significantly slowing blood circulation throughout the body.
In the worst case, this can create a situation where blood flow is slowed significantly and dangerous blood clots can form in the legs. This potentially life-threatening condition is also known as Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT). Air travel has also given this condition the curious term "economy class syndrome". Deep Venous Thrombosis (blood clots in the deeper veins) is a condition that people of all ages can contract, whether they are physically fit or not. A blood clot can break into the deeper veins and travel through the heart to the lungs, where it becomes lodged. This condition is called pulmonary embolism and can be fatal.
Pilots and other flight personnel are also very aware of the potential dangers that can arise during long-haul flights. Many flight crew members therefore also wear socks or tights that have been specially developed with degressive compression to promote circulation in the legs and to prevent leg swelling.
To protect yourself, just like the cockpit crew, it is advisable to wear socks, stockings or tights with a graduated compression.
Why is graduated compression important?
Tapering compression is very important because it increases blood circulation to the heart. This is done by placing the highest pressure at the ankle after which it gradually decreases towards the calf.
In addition, several studies with air passengers have been shown to show that compression stockings with graduated compression prevent the development of blood clots during long haul flights.
In the worst case, this can create a situation where blood flow is slowed significantly and dangerous blood clots can form in the legs. This potentially life-threatening condition is also known as Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT). Air travel has also given this condition the curious term "economy class syndrome". Deep Venous Thrombosis (blood clots in the deeper veins) is a condition that people of all ages can contract, whether they are physically fit or not. A blood clot can break into the deeper veins and travel through the heart to the lungs, where it becomes lodged. This condition is called pulmonary embolism and can be fatal.
Pilots and other flight personnel are also very aware of the potential dangers that can arise during long-haul flights. Many flight crew members therefore also wear socks or tights that have been specially developed with degressive compression to promote circulation in the legs and to prevent leg swelling.
To protect yourself, just like the cockpit crew, it is advisable to wear socks, stockings or tights with a graduated compression.
Why is graduated compression important?
Tapering compression is very important because it increases blood circulation to the heart. This is done by placing the highest pressure at the ankle after which it gradually decreases towards the calf.
In addition, several studies with air passengers have been shown to show that compression stockings with graduated compression prevent the development of blood clots during long haul flights.
