For years I’ve been struggling with swollen ankles after long flights. Not two hour flights or even four hour flights but six or more, yes.
After my last trip to Europe it took a long time for my calves and ankles to get back to normal. Sarah has a bit of a problem with this too and jokingly suggested that now that compression socks are cool among endurance athletes (thank you ultra marathoners!) we could buy some and try them for flying.
The first bunch I bought didn’t fit me at all. I’ve got very serious calves. And they weren’t tight enough to work as compression for Sarah. They’re funky though.
This trip I actually bought the kind of compression socks I’d previously thought were too impossible old and nerdy to wear. No cool sayings. They’re just black tight and stretchy.
However, low and behold, they work. Fourteen hours of flying to Tahiti and no swelling at all. I’m amazed. And I’m also feeling a bit like an idiot for letting considerations of cool get in my way.
I’ve become that person, flying in yoga pants, compression socks, and bright orange running shoes. On the bright side, I felt great after flying. Whatever, I’ll take it. Bring on the compression socks. They work.
See Try compression socks to relieve circulation problems while flying.
See also How do compression socks work?
Welcome to the world of compression socks! Yours actually look pretty cool. I am stuck with the incredibly boring beige kind for work (I have been wearing them for just shy of 30 years thanks to varicose veins since teenage-hood) and was thrilled when my vein doctor’s clinic started carrying black and white sports compression socks. I may need to hit the sports store to look for a fun pair.
Good for you Sam, comfort is always the #1 priority while flying. I love my compression socks for Transatlantic flights! I also used them in a more sporty way: after walking 5-6 hours per day on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, I wore them for about 20 minutes each evening for recovery.
Compression socks help to protect the legs from scratches, abrasion and nasty things like poison ivy when you run on the trails. Science has given a positive review about compression socks. I suggest you to make sure you measure your calves before purchasing. Thanks for sharing an interesting article!