School’s out and you’re all set for some fun and relaxation this summer, traveling to various locations via train, plane, and car! If you’ve got a long flight or drive planned, your legs can benefit from compression. Compression garments can help fight the ill effects of travel and help you feel refreshed and ready to go.
How does compression work?
Compression stockings steadily squeeze your legs, helping your veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently. They offer a safe, simple, and inexpensive way to keep blood from stagnating.
How can I apply my stockings?
If you’re new to putting on compression socks, it can take a little practice. The best way to put them on is to grab the toe and fold the rest of the sock inside out. Place your foot into the toe area and roll the rest of the stocking over your ankle and leg. Find out more information here.
It is important to remember that if they feel too tight or painful, you are not wearing the correct size, which can be detrimental to overall health. Compression socks should feel like your calves are getting a gentle hug, not being strangled.
What are the main travel benefits of compression?
They promote better circulation. Gravity slows down your circulation as it constantly pulls on your blood, causing your heart to pump harder as it tries to keep the blood moving instead of pooling in your lower legs. Compression socks and stockings provide graduated pressure up the leg that encourages the blood to keep moving rather than settle in your feet and ankles. A true compression sock/stocking is tightest at the ankle and gradually gets less tight as it progresses up the leg.
They can help alleviate swelling.
No one wants to look puffy just from sitting too long. Puffy feet and ankles are common side effects of traveling. Gravity and dehydration are often to blame. When you are dehydrated, your body retains fluids. Compression socks prevent swelling and force the fluids to dissipate instead.
What are other circulation tips to keep in mind while traveling?
Don’t cross your legs.
Crossing your legs, while comfortable, inhibits your circulation. When you cross your legs, you put pressure on the veins and keep the blood from flowing as quickly as it should. Instead, sit with your legs parallel to each other and both feet planted on the floor.
Stay hydrated.
Whenever you’re dehydrated, your body draws excess liquid from the blood which can make it thicker and slower. While staying hydrated can have one caveat (more frequent trips to the bathroom), the positive is that it can help you maintain proper circulation. As an additional helpful tip, alcohol can dehydrate you more, so stick to water as much as possible.
Walk around when you can.
No matter if you are flying, driving, or taking a train, it’s important to get up and move when you can. The movement will help get your blood pumping correctly.
Stretch in your seat.
Stretching is good not just after a workout but also while you’re sitting and not doing anything. It’s easy to do simple things like rotate your ankles, pump your calves, and lift your feet or knees. It sounds minor but any bit of movement will help get your blood circulating, even if you can’t stand up all the way.
Can compression be stylish?
Compression stockings have come a long way. Many people may picture their grandma in her yellow knee-highs back in the day. But fear no more. Compression stockings have changed for the better!
The medi® mediven® line of compression includes a comprehensive portfolio of products focused on delivering precise compression in an array of styles, colors, and materials for therapeutic needs. With features like Perfect Fit design and Clima Comfort technology, the mediven line of products delivers the compression accuracy your body needs combined with a variety of stylish options for every person.
medi’s Rejuva® brand is a fashion-forward line of compression legwear that complements products from our more traditional mediven® line. These are fun, medical support socks with a wide variety of designs, prints, colors, and patterns that add a pop of flair to any wardrobe while also providing functional therapy.
If you are an active individual who enjoys compression support, CEP is where it’s at. CEP is the #1 specialty sports compression brand that enhances performance and helps you recover from fatigue or injury. CEP delivers in fit and feel with the compression accuracy proven by medi.
While we know that travel isn’t good for your circulation, with the help of compression, you can get to where you need to go comfortably and healthfully.
