I have venus sufficiency and lots of air travel coming up. What would you suggest I do?

I have venus sufficiency and will be taking five plane rides in the next 12 days for work (different city every 2-3 days). Most flights are under three hours and one is slightly over four hours. I have 20-30 thigh high toeless socks as well as 15-20 socks and 20-30 calf sleeves. Which would you suggest? I also have a painful right calf from a sciatic issue.

Answers from doctors (11)


Vein Center of New Mexico

Published on Apr 18, 2015

Knee-high compression socks should be fine – either 15-20 or 20-30. Make every effort to walk a mile a day and while seated, do tip-toe calf pump exercises every hour. Remain well hydrated. Take an aspirin daily.

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Answered by Vein Center of New Mexico

Knee-high compression socks should be fine – either 15-20 or 20-30. Make every effort to walk a mile a day and while seated, do tip-toe calf pump exercises every hour. Remain well hydrated. Take an aspirin daily.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on Apr 16, 2015

Wearing knee-high compression stockings of 30 mmHg, and walking periodically will help reduce the risk for deep vein thrombosis.

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Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Wearing knee-high compression stockings of 30 mmHg, and walking periodically will help reduce the risk for deep vein thrombosis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Apr 15, 2015

The 15-20 socks should be fine. Get up and walk and do calf raises as often as possible, especially on a long flight. Using the calf muscle helps pump venous blood back up into circulation.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

The 15-20 socks should be fine. Get up and walk and do calf raises as often as possible, especially on a long flight. Using the calf muscle helps pump venous blood back up into circulation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor St. Louis Vein Center

Published on Apr 15, 2015

The calf-high sock will work just fine for DVT prevention. I would recommend wearing the 20- 30 mmHg compression socks, which will also probably be the most comfortable. I would recommend wearing thigh-high only if you have painful varicosities or swelling in your thighs. Have a safe flight.

Answered by St. Louis Vein Center (View Profile)

The calf-high sock will work just fine for DVT prevention. I would recommend wearing the 20- 30 mmHg compression socks, which will also probably be the most comfortable. I would recommend wearing thigh-high only if you have painful varicosities or swelling in your thighs. Have a safe flight.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 15, 2015

Anyone traveling as much you do should wear a measured and fitted compression hose, knee-length (open or closed toe) is fine unless your venous insufficiency is also above the knee. Thigh-length is better in this case. When blood isn't flowing normally, as in your case, you are more prone to clotting. Drink lots of water, get up to walk often or do the exercises noted in the airline magazine. Ask your doctor about taking aspirin before flying also. No calf sleeves.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Anyone traveling as much you do should wear a measured and fitted compression hose, knee-length (open or closed toe) is fine unless your venous insufficiency is also above the knee. Thigh-length is better in this case. When blood isn't flowing normally, as in your case, you are more prone to clotting. Drink lots of water, get up to walk often or do the exercises noted in the airline magazine. Ask your doctor about taking aspirin before flying also. No calf sleeves.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


I would definitely recommend the graded compression stockings, preferably the thigh-high ones. Other things to consider are leg elevation, avoiding high sodium intake (low salt diet) and getting up and taking a stroll in the aisle during your flights. Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels. :)

Answered by Dr. Syed Bokhari M.D., F.A.C.C. (View Profile)

I would definitely recommend the graded compression stockings, preferably the thigh-high ones. Other things to consider are leg elevation, avoiding high sodium intake (low salt diet) and getting up and taking a stroll in the aisle during your flights. Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels. :)

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Apr 15, 2015

You should wear the 20-30 knee-highs.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

You should wear the 20-30 knee-highs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Apr 15, 2015

I always recommend using the thigh-high 20-30 compression while on the plane. You also want to try to move around while on the plane. As for your right calf pain, it does not necessarily sound like a sciatic issue. Most people with sciatic pain usually have it in their posterior thigh/hamstring region. An isolated pain in the calf is unusual. The pain could be vein-related.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

I always recommend using the thigh-high 20-30 compression while on the plane. You also want to try to move around while on the plane. As for your right calf pain, it does not necessarily sound like a sciatic issue. Most people with sciatic pain usually have it in their posterior thigh/hamstring region. An isolated pain in the calf is unusual. The pain could be vein-related.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Destin Vein Center

Published on Apr 15, 2015

Wear the socks at all times.

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Answered by Destin Vein Center

Wear the socks at all times.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 15, 2015

When flying, you should wear over-the-calf support hose, 20-30mmHg pressure, get up every 2 hours, stay well hydrated, do not drink alcohol, flex your ankles at least every 30 minutes and take a baby aspirin the night before you fly.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

When flying, you should wear over-the-calf support hose, 20-30mmHg pressure, get up every 2 hours, stay well hydrated, do not drink alcohol, flex your ankles at least every 30 minutes and take a baby aspirin the night before you fly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Byrne Road Vein Clinic

Published on Apr 15, 2015

You need to take preventative measures prior and during your flights which include wearing your 20-30 support stockings, staying well hydrated by drinking extra fluids, no alcohol, getting up and walking during the flight at least every hour and moving your legs and feet while sitting in your seat (pretend your stepping on the gas pedal). Take a baby aspirin before each flight.

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Answered by Byrne Road Vein Clinic

You need to take preventative measures prior and during your flights which include wearing your 20-30 support stockings, staying well hydrated by drinking extra fluids, no alcohol, getting up and walking during the flight at least every hour and moving your legs and feet while sitting in your seat (pretend your stepping on the gas pedal). Take a baby aspirin before each flight.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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