Flight socks

[stargazer5761]

Just a bit of info on flight socks

Do we have to get them measured from gp or we just buy them from chemist . Not sure which way to get them .. I'm aware that ill fitting ones can be dangerous .

[GrandmaM]

Athletes are buying them now from sporting goods stores and seem to be fine with standardized sizes. My husband is happy with his that he purchased online.

[merrohawk83]

Are you talking about compression stockings? If so, then yes, you should either go to a nurse practitioner at your GP surgery to be properly measures, otherwise you could always measure yourself. You need to measure the circumference around the largest part of your calf, the length from knee to foot and the length of your foot from heel to toe. Do this for both legs to ensure they both require the same size compression stocking. I went to a nurse originally, but then came home and measured my own leg to see if the measurements corresponded and they did. So now I am comfortable buying my stockings from a chemist.

[MaryF Administrator]

I bought mine on line for flying, but I know some people get advise from the nurse at their local surgery. MaryF

[Yissica]

Flight socks bought from any local pharmacy or travel section in a supermarket off the shelf are just below a class 1 in strength. They are fine for anyone wanting light compression as flying protection. Your nurse will probably give class I or if high risk of DVT then class 2 stocking s. These can be bought for around £15 from a pharmacy.

As Merrohawk83 said you need to measure yourself for a comfortable fit. The general ones go by shoe size rather than body size! You can also get ones with an open toe if you want to travel in sandals or the "mens" range look more like a normal ribbed sock and have a nicer colour range.

Most pharmacies will have a measurement chart you can take away and then return your measurements for them to give you the correct fit. The size range is printed on the back of the box for class stocking s.

[thomas_tz]

I agree that someone needs to measure you the first time. Also, remember the best practice for putting them on: you need to lie down, and raise your leg for a couple of minutes, to make sure it is not swollen.