Wearing Compression Stockings during Holiday Travel
The holiday season is a special time of year to spend with families and friends. While many people are busy decorating their houses, some are planning to travel long distances to see loved ones.
Remaining seated (on a plane, train, or automobile) for a long time can be quite uncomfortable. Compression stockings can help. For anyone with varicose veins, the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) increases during long distance travel. In addition to varicose veins, there are other risk factors for DVT and PE:
- Family or personal history of DVT and/or PE
- Advanced age
- Obesity
- Blood clotting abnormalities
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Infection
Compression Stocking Benefits
Restrained movement for more than four hours (like while travelling) increases the risk of DVT and PE by 400%. Wearing medical compression stockings helps reduce the risk of these conditions. They can alleviate swollen feet and ankles — and leg pain. Compression stockings are well known for health benefits like:
- Improved blood circulation
- Preventing venous blood from pooling in the legs
- Reducing the risk of blood clots
- Providing warmth
How Compression Stockings Work
Although compression stockings do not directly cure varicose or spider vein problems, they gradually reduce pressure as they extend from the feet, up the calf, and into the thighs. They’re a proven solution to prevent swelling and discomfort. Compression stockings promote blood circulation from the feet to the heart.
Choosing the Right Stockings
While there is no universal standard for sizing, using a tape measure may help you determine the accurate size of your thigh, ankle, and calf. You can also ask your physiotherapy team to help you choose the best fit. Knee-high stockings are easy to wear and provide comfort when running, walking, or standing for long hours. Thigh-high stockings or tights are often used to prevent DVT in post-surgery situations.
Long distance travel does not need to be uncomfortable. Wearing compression stockings can help you have a pain-free holiday season with your loved ones. Before you begin a journey, call Oriole Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre to talk about compression stockings to improve circulation during travel.