17 Oct Traveling for the Holidays? Don’t Forget to Pack Your Compression Socks.
You’ve booked your tickets and your hotel. You’ve alerted loved ones of your plans to travel for the upcoming holidays. And as the date draws nearer, all that’s left is to pack.
But before you depart, let us ask you one question: Do you have a vascular disease?
If so, you’ll want to take compression socks onboard. Here’s why:
What Are Compression Socks?
Simply put, compression socks — or compression stockings — are designed for individuals with poor blood flow in their lower extremities.
“Compression stockings steadily squeeze your legs, helping your veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently,” Mayo Clinic explains. “They offer a safe, simple and inexpensive way to keep blood from stagnating.”
According to Healthline, you may want to consider wearing compression socks (particularly during travel) if you have or have previously experienced:
- Blood clots
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
- Varicose veins
- A medical diagnosis that may make you vulnerable to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Why Wear Compression Socks for Travel?
“Traveling is so rewarding but can take a toll on your circulation,” the Travel Channel reports. “While the risk of developing blood clots on a flight is low, it goes up as travel time increases.”
Flying, in particular, may worsen existing vascular symptoms because of how it changes the surrounding pressure. Overall, the decreased air pressure in the cabin is apt to lower your blood pressure.
That being said, you may experience this no matter the vehicle, as sitting is another vascular culprit.
When you’re walking or running, your calf muscles pump blood back toward your heart as they contract. Consequently, when you’re immobile, your calf muscles are not generating this movement.
What Else Can I Do?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), regular movement while traveling is an easy way to keep your blood moving. “A regular trip to the bathroom, for example, every 2–3 hours, is a reasonable measure,” the organization suggests.
Otherwise, one of the best ways to tackle your health before you fly is to simply visit a vascular professional.
When you reach out to Duval Vascular Center, you not only get the one-on-one attention you deserve — you also receive industry-leading care in a state-of-the-art outpatient setting! Whatever your needs, your health is our priority.
If you would like to learn more or set up a FREE vein screening, please call our office today at 904-518-1398!