By Captain Dave Walters - UNITED AIRLINES B-777

As reprinted from the United Airlines Safetyliner Magazine If the article in the November/December 2007 Air Line Pilot Magazine titled "Taking a Stand Against DVT" (Deep Vein Thrombosis) did not get your attention then I hope this one will.


The article that I am referring to gave several examples of individuals sitting for long periods of time (long haul pilots) who had developed blood clots in their lower legs which broke free and led to life threatening situations. Undissolved blood clots which break free can cause strokes, coronary artery obstructions, or other circulatory related problems. The article encouraged those at risk (long haul pilots) to reposition themselves in their seats, get out of their seats to stretch, and to drink more water. You also may recall NBC correspondent David Bloom died from complications of DVT at age 39. He was reporting from Iraq while embedded in the 3rd infantry and confined for extended periods to cramped seating/sleeping quarters.

As a 777 pilot and long distance runner, one battle that I have been fighting is swollen ankles due to our occupation. Without fail, after a flight across the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans, my ankles and lower legs would become visibly swollen. Calf cramping became a major problem. Movement in the cockpit, massage, and drinking water did help a bit but not entirely. Compression socks were the answer.

A good compression sock minimizes lower leg swelling by creating an upward flow of blood through the lower leg. This helps to get un-oxygenated blood out of the legs and replaced with fresh oxygenated blood. Compression socks come in a wide array and some work better than others. The top of the line is made by TravelSox (model TS 6000 pictured) and is the Rolls Royce of compression socks. It gives maximum pressure in the ankle and extreme lower leg, reducing pressure towards the knee. Since wearing this sock I have not experienced any lower leg swelling or calf cramping.

Long haul flying obviously presents many physical challenges. DVT is a serious threat to pilots as 200,000 people die annually of DVT complications, many with no corresponding signs or symptoms. Staying healthy until age 65 will require more effort on our part than it has in the past. Compression socks may provide just one piece of the puzzle!