In the cold winter, the feet are more prone to freezing due to being far away from the heart and having slower blood circulation. Many people use hot water to soak their feet in order to warm them up quickly. Soaking the feet is beneficial for the body, which is known by many people, but some people think that the hotter the water, the better, as it can relieve fatigue. However, this is incorrect and a misconception. Soaking the feet in hot water can promote blood circulation in the feet, relieve fatigue, and improve sleep, which are all correct. But soaking the feet in water that is too hot can damage the skin and accelerate dehydration in the feet.
The most important point is that the feet freeze because they are exposed to extremely cold winds. When the temperature drops below the body's normal tolerance level, the skin and muscles become stiff. If hot water is suddenly used to soak the feet at this time, the temperature will go from extremely cold to extremely hot, and the skin and muscles cannot withstand the drastic temperature difference of several tens of degrees Celsius. This will not make the feet recover quickly, but instead worsen the condition of frozen feet, and in severe cases, even cause muscle and bone separation.
In conclusion, in winter, hot water should not be used to soak the feet. If the feet are frozen, they should be rubbed with hands to generate heat, rather than simply using hot water to warm them up. The temperature of the soaking water should be around 38°C to 43°C, which is hot but not scalding. During the soaking process, due to the increased blood circulation and faster heart rate, it can increase the burden on the heart. Therefore, the soaking time should not be too long, preferably within 15 to 30 minutes.
Editor's Note:
Some people often experience calf cramps, which are usually considered a manifestation of calcium deficiency. In fact, for quite a number of people, calf cramps are related to poor blood circulation in the legs. Therefore, for the treatment and prevention of cramps, not only should calcium be supplemented, but also attention should be paid to improving blood circulation. For example, under the guidance of a doctor, vitamin E, vitamin B1, or compound danshen can be taken. At the same time, attention should be paid not to let the legs get cold during sleep.
