Compression stockings

yes, yes, yes

while there are very few conditions where compression socks would be contraindicated - best to check with your doc.

Definitely check with your doctor!

There are many brands and many different compression amounts to choose from. Your doctor will help you pick the ones best for your particular situation.

I have some that I wear around the house but have never been able to wear them on long international flights. The tightness gets to be too uncomfortable after a few hours. (Yes, these are the ones the doctor prescribed.)

Hello Judy, During my flight home from Barcelona to Los Angeles last October, my legs swelled up very badly from my knees all the way down to my ankles. Not only was it very uncomfortable, but I was really scared and there was nothing I could do. I do get up and walk up and down the aisles on a regular basis - every two hours and move my legs up and down while sitting. Once I got home, I was fine. I contacted my doctor before my trip to Germany this past May and he told me to get compression stockings over the counter but to make sure I measured the widest part of my calves to get the correct size. I went to a local independent pharmacy where the staff provides personal service (many of their customers are elderly). The lady there helped to measure me and recommended a brand called Sigvaris, a Swiss company but stockings were made in Brazil according to the label. I have big calves measuring 15" and am short, but was recommended size is A with 15-20 mmHg compression. They had two shades: black and tan. I got the tan. They are like knee high stockings with toe and heel - no cut out openings. It is a bit tight to get onto the foot at first, but once you get your feet in, you can pull the rest of stocking up without much problem. I wore them going and coming home from Germany and my legs did not swell up. I did have to pull them up once in a while as they slipped a bit for me, but maybe this is because I have very short legs and the stockings were not stretched very much length wise. They cost me $31 for one pair. For me, it was worth the investment as they worked for me. There are also comparable socks for men. You should check with your doctor since you may have medical conditions that may be affected by wearing compression stockings. I have high blood pressure and it was okay for me. But I have heard that if you have diabetes, it might pose a problem. Good Luck!

you already have received some excellent advice. I'd add.....treat it just like "breaking in" a pair of shoes for a trip....don't wait until the day before.....start 2 or 3 weeks out and gradually build up wearing them to the length of your flight time to see if you can really tolerate them.....

I have problems with the circulation in my legs and wear compression stockings at home as well as while I travel. They do help with the swelling, but I still make a point of walking especially on long flights. I too am short and the stockings sliding down was a problem for me as well. But Dee, I use a product that I purchase at a medical supply house. It is called "It Stays" and is a Jobst product. It is a roll-on skin glue that is water soluble, washes of easily and really eliminates the problem of sagging compression stockings.

Hi Doric8, You gave a really good advice about breaking in the stockings by wearing them before going on the trip. I didn't do that. Your suggestion is an excellent one.
And Pat, thank you for suggesting the It Stays product. I see that you can purchase it online from Amazon or at Walmart. It never cease to amaze me the kinds of products that are out there that can make our lives just a little bit better. I thought I was the only one with the slipping compression stockings, apparently it is a common problem. Many Thanks to you both!

My wife always wears them. And she takes a round of Lazex 12 hours before getting on the plane to remove excess fluids too. It also helps to get up and walk around the airplane often in route.

I have some swelling issues and swear by Sockwell compression socks. They are available at REI for about $25 a pair (and on sale for about $10 less when they have their semi-annual sales). They come in cute colors and patterns and last a very long time. (I don't put them in the dryer but do wash them in the washing machine.)
I started wearing them long before my doctor suggested compression stockings, and they are a medium grade of compression.
You should check with your doctor if you have serious issues/concerns. But you can also ask if these would be sufficient.

My doc says that I need to wear compression hose daily due to pitting edema in my feet and legs. Over the years I've worn several different brands including when flying, all with reasonable success. I'm currently wearing Sigvaris and I like them best because (a) they fit me well, (b) unlike other brands they are not too tight on my feet, and (c) they are machine washable unlike most of the other brands I've tried. I have a little difficulty getting them on and off over each heel but otherwise they're easy to put on and take off.

I bought a pair for my last trip. Did wear them over (to France) and they worked great - but as they were new and a little tall for me I got a sore to the back of my knee. Didn't wear them home because of the sore - big mistake I was all swollen up. They sore was a small price to pay! But do break them in so you don't have that issue!

I usually swell up on trips that are four or more hours and it's no where near as bad whenever I wear compression socks. I just get them off Amazon and they're worth the price. The socks can be a little tight on me, but I prefer that feeling over the swelling. I would also recommend that if you're prone to swelling, drink lots and lots of water on the flights (I also usually avoid alcohol on flights, since it makes me swell too).