Using compression hosiery such as Scholl Flight Socks and Scholl Flight Socks Sheer reduces the risks associated with long haul flights by aiding the movement of blood in the veins.
Providing the extra support leg veins need, they effectively relieve that tired and achy feeling you can get, plus they can stop you getting swollen ankles meaning you arrive at your destination refreshed and ready.
For complementary methods of avoiding a DVT:
Although the risk is low, as the consequences can be so serious, everything you can do to prevent flight-related DVT is extremely important. Generally, you should wear Flight Socks, take every opportunity to exercise and drink plenty of water. Here are some do's and dont's for healthy travel:
Do -
Wear Scholl Flight Socks or Scholl Flight Socks Sheer throughout the entire journey (in fact, put them on before you leave the house or hotel)
Exercise your legs (and walk around when you can) and regularly rotate and flex your shoulders, feet and ankles
Keep well hydrated
Wear loose and comfortable clothing
Consult a healthcare professional if you are at all concerned about your legs or circulation
Don't
Drink excessive amounts of alcohol, tea, coffee or any other drink containing caffeine
Sleep in an uncomfortable position
Use a footrest if it leaves your calves dangling
Allow your calves to make prolonged contact with your seat
Place luggage where it may restrict movement of legs and feet
Reference
World Health Organization International Travel and Health Chapter 2 – travel by air: health considerations 2005
The blood returning to your heart from the lower extremities of the body has gravity to contend with and, therefore, it is harder for the blood to be pumped round the body. In order to help the blood flow, the muscles of the legs act as a pump - this occurs naturally as you walk around.
Long periods of inactivity, combined with the cramped conditions and dehydration which can occur on flights can cause a number of circulatory problems. Blood is at risk of not circulating through your veins adequately and concentrating in your legs causing problems ranging from swollen ankles and tired, aching legs to more serious conditions such as DVT.
Flying contributes many of the factors which may be associated with the development of a DVT:
Cramped conditions
Limited exercise opportunity and lack of leg movement
Low humidity
Reduced cabin pressure
Dehydration
Increased carbon dioxide and reduced oxygen levels
The signs and symptoms of a DVT can develop after your journey and so you should contact your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following and have recently been on a long haul flight or a long journey:
Many studies have taken – and continue to take – place on the subject of flight-related deep vein thrombosis and associated complications. Take a look at our links where you will find links to some scientific resources.
One such scientific study (the LONFLIT 4 study) used Scholl Flight Socks as part of the research. Here’s what happened:
It was carried out using more than 600 passengers on long haul flights from London, to New York and Phoenix ( Arizona). Half of the passengers took no preventative measures against DVT and the other half wore Scholl Flight Socks providing a compression level of 14-17mmHg at the ankle.
The study focused only on people classed as low-to-medium risk of DVT and found that more than 4% of those not wearing Flight Socks suffered from some form of thrombosis during the flight to Phoenix and more than 3% flying to New York.
The incidence of thrombosis among those wearing Scholl Flight Socks was zero.
The study also found clear evidence that wearing Scholl Flight Socks prevented swollen legs and ankles which may be a cause of DVT through veins being compressed (according to unpublished data from Belcaro). The researchers found that wearing Scholl Flight Socks reduced the likelihood of passengers suffering from swollen legs by a maximum of 300%. The researchers found that the level of oedema (swelling) in passengers' legs wearing Scholl Flight Socks was approximately three times lower than in those passengers who did not take any preventative measures.
The distinguished international scientific group that carried out the study concluded that taking precautions against DVT were highly advisable and that wearing Scholl Flight Socks was the "easiest and least problematic" precaution to take without any side effects.
The scientific group was led by Professor Gianni Belcaro of the Department of Biological Sciences at G. D'Annunzio University, Pescara, Italy and included researchers from Imperial College, London, and Epworth Hospital in Melbourne, Australia.
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