feet and hands

New research by Deep Freeze - the cooling, iconic and time-tested muscle and joint care topical range - has found that 46 per cent of respondents say warmer temperatures affect their lower legs and feet, leaving them with aches and pains that can even make it difficult to walk. Plus, a worrying two-thirds of people say that muscle pain affects their day-to-day life.

Clara Kervyn, Physiotherapist, Pilates, and Musculoskeletal specialist from the Deep Freeze expert hub says: “The swelling of feet due to the heat is known as heat oedema. Essentially, heat causes the blood vessels in your legs and feet to expand which leads to a buildup of fluid. And of course, gravity means more fluid heads down to the legs, ankles and feet, causing swelling.” 

Suffering from lower body pain? Here are six tips:

1. Cold therapy 

“Cold application may decrease pain and normalise the blood flow, therefore reducing pain and swelling. Research has found that applying cold actually decreased the pain level of patients in a study and increased joint mobility,” says Elyn Marwick, Personal Trainer, Coach and Functional Fitness Specialist.

Clara recommends the Deep Freeze Glide-on Gel as a useful solution to soothe pain. “This provides scientifically proven cooling action, helping to soothe joint and muscle aches in the legs, and feet and works just like ice, without any of the inconvenience. It’s also ideal for on-the-go as it glides on easily, helping to alleviate muscle and joint soreness, as well as being ideal for harder to reach places like the back of heels and knees as well as calves.”

Elyn adds: “The Deep Freeze Cold Gel works like ice and helps cool and soothe minor aches in muscles and joints. It’s easy to apply, and mess-free and is a useful addition in everyone’s first aid bag.”

A new product recommended  by Clara is the Deep Freeze Muscle Rescue Cold Spray which provides an instant burst of targeted cooling relief for minor aches in muscles and joints or past injury flare-ups. It is eco friendly as it's also  housed in a new climate friendly aerosol containing zero per cent LPG.

2. Focus on footwear

It might be time to take a look at the shoes you’re wearing. 

Elyn says: “When exercising, be sure that your footwear is suitable for your workout. For example, running trainers for runs, walks and high intensity exercise offer the support needed to cushion joints." 

Clara adds: “Supportive shoes are important, with around 1 cm of space at the end of the shoe as well as some space around the sides as our feet naturally expand in the heat. Block heels are best, and when you can – at home for example – try to walk around barefoot and give feet a breather.”

An insole could also help as research has found that customised insoles could help reduce foot pain. 

3. Take a seat

Been standing all day? It’s a potential recipe for sore legs and feet. Elyn Marwick explains: “Our lower body also needs a rest. If you can, raise your legs too, which will help reduce swelling.” For added cooling relief, apply the Deep Freeze Cold Patch to legs and feet. This is scientifically proven to provide rapid cooling and soothing relief for up to three hours and mums-to-be can also use Deep Freeze Cold Patch. 

4. Try a foot bath 

Give your feet and lower legs a real pamper with a foot bath. Fill a washing up bowl with warm water and if possible, add epsom salts. Allow these to dissolve before immersing your feet in the water for 15 minutes and relax. 

5. Master the massage 

A foam roller can come in very useful when you’re suffering from aches and pain. Foam rolling has been shown to help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) from exercise whilst percussive massage devices have been shown to help reduce musculoskeletal pain and improve muscle pain and flexibility.

6. Stretch it out 

Been in shoes all day? Unwind, kick your shoes off and give your feet a well-earned stretch.  Clara Kervyn explains: “Stretching throughout the day, particularly if you’re sat at a desk, can help to relieve tight, tense muscles and stiff joints.

“We all want to enjoy the warmer weather but it can have a big impact on our feet and legs, as the new research reveals. Putting your feet up when you can, stretching and using the Deep Freeze products, can really help to avoid pain and allow us to move comfortably every day.”

All the products in the Deep Freeze range are non-medicinal, providing targeted, scientifically proven cooling and soothing relief, while being fast acting and providing a long lasting, cooling sensation. All are suitable for pregnant women.