Tips & Articles
Cold Weather Related Leg Ailments
Once winter sneaks in, you’re likely to have poor circulation, lack hydration or moisture and mobility while cooped up indoors. If you’ve noticed dry skin, leg pain, stiffness, fatigue, swelling and numbness, you’re not alone. Many people who suffer from poor circulation experience leg pain,
Winter Legs
Winter legs occur due to poor circulation, heightened sensitivity, constricted veins, muscles, dehydration and inactivity while cooped up indoors. All these factors contribute to the resulting painful, tired, stiff, numb and swollen legs and feet.
Toasted Skin Syndrome
Toasted skin syndrome is heat related skin damage although it is not a burn. It is characterised by varicose veins, red skin discolouration, pain, burning, itching, and peeling. Repetitive and prolonged exposure to low grade heat sources such as heaters, fire, electric blankets, laptop batteries, hot water, sun tanning are common causes. The heat is not enough to burn the skin, but enough to cause some damage.
Trench Foot
Trench foot also known as immersion foot, is caused by prolonged exposure to cold, water or damp, and unhygienic conditions, but it is not due to freezing (as in frostbite). It can happen in winter, when feet are not dried properly after bath or rain as well as when wear wet socks, closed shoes and have sweaty feet. Symptoms include numbness, pain, tingling, itchiness, redness and swelling.
Handy Tips
But there’s good news. Here are 10 handy homely tips for winter leg care
- Apply the P.R.I.C.E protocol which stands for Pump, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. More on the P.R.I.C.E Protocol
- Keep warm legs and feet but never hot e.g., bath water, bed linen, car seat, heater
- Keep dry legs & feet, mostly from bath water, wet socks or shoes and sweaty toes or feet
- Maintain moisturised legs and feet but not between your toes
- Drink water to stay hydrated
- Avoid direct heat exposure to your legs and feet
- Wear clothes & footwear that are well-fitting, cushioned, balanced & breathable to avoid any pinching, friction, strain and sweating
- Clean out dirt or shake debris from your shoes and feel the inside before wearing
- Cut nails straight across and file the edges. Don’t cut them too short
- Do self-inspection and check-ups everyday
So, go ahead and try it now. Feel it working!