Care of the Feet in Cold Weather
Of greater influence on the general health than appears at first glance is the care of the feet in winter. Aside from the discomfort suffered, the nerves and temper are never improved by the constant “nagging” of cold feet. The cause may, of course, be deficient circulation, the heart not being strong enough to pump the blood thoroughly into the capillaries of the extremities, or the cause may be a nervous disorder, and in such cases a physician’s advice is necessary. But in many cases cold feet are the result of neglect, or, to speak plainly, of vanity. A neat, trim appearance in a shoe that fits perfectly is greatly to be admired; but many times the shoe does not stop here; and a foot is never admirable when squeezed into a shoe so tight that every separate joint is visible. A shoe too narrow forces the bones of the foot together, often causing them to grow out of shape, and always compressing the blood-vessels which wind in and out, over and under, and between the bones. It is the blood supply that warms the feet. If this be impeded at any point, either by too tight and narrow a shoe, by drawing the laces too tight around the ankles, or by tight “garters,” the result is inevitably cold feet. Placing the feet in hot water warms them quickly because the heat rapidly expands the coats of the blood-vessels, particularly of the capillaries, and the blood flows quickly and fully through them. When the feet are once accustomed to moderately thick-soled shoes, a thin sole is uncomfortable in all seasons. Heavy hose are not always desirable, particularly where there is a tendency to excessive perspiration. In such cases two pairs of thin silk or lisle hose are sometimes satisfactory, the outer pair taking up the moisture from the inner pair, and leaving those next the foot dry. As a rule, however, light-weight merino is more comfortable for winter, and the perspiration can be controlled by daily bathing in alum water, and then dusting with borated talcum powder. Avoid standing or sitting with the feet over a hot-air register. For the ordinary case of cold feet bathe in warm water in which is a liberal tablespoonful of mustard, dash cold water over them and rub briskly, slapping the soles in a manner that is really very near to punishment. Exercise by rising upon the toes, then settling back upon the heels, raising the toes from the ground while so doing, repeating this several times, beginning with a few times and increasing the number. Brisk walking is good exercise for cold feet. Do not wear low shoes and cloth gaiters. Shoes made with an inner cork sole are to be recommended. Do not keep rubber overshoes on longer than is necessary, as they cause the feet to perspire. Feet are more quickly warmed if the shoes are removed. Never go to bed with cold feet. For nothing in the world is the hot-water bottle a greater boon. The old-fashioned soapstone or flat-iron, a small stone jug—though the latter never seems quite safe—anything is better than cold feet. Have a pair of knitted, fleece-soled bedroom slippers, or, failing this, a very comfortable pair can be made of eider-down flannel, cut high enough to cover the ankles. Cut them small enough so they will not slip off—elasticity of the material will allow this.—Pilgrim.