Keeping feet warm ~ideas needed

[framing fowl]

My DH has very poor circulation in his legs due to his accident. His feet and legs get really cold in the winter.

I've tried the infared socks from Nikken which didn't do anything. I've also tried the battery operated warmer socks and they bothered him (one leg had a 3rd degree burn so the skin is really sensitive.)

We're at that time of year again where he's freezing and I thought maybe someone here might have ideas to help!

 

[Emerald]

What works for me is a very light fine pair of socks with a heaver woolen or insulating type sock over it. Check in the hunting part of the store and see if they have good light weight but thick socks the double layering will help keep the warm in. And they usually go all the way up the leg to keep hunters warm.

 

[tortoise]

I wish I could say a magnetic ankle wrap, but here is some good information on magnet therapy.

http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/QA/magnet.html

 

[framing fowl]

Emerald, I do that for myslef and it works great! The problem for DH is he has so little circulation that I still don't think it will be enough to keep his feet warm. I think the solution will be how to increase the overall circulation to his lower legs so that the socks will then keep them warm.

 

[abifae]

Hand warmers. You can slip them between two socks if you aren't wearing shoes.

I get sores on my toes due to circulation issues and I spend a lot of time warming them. A hot soak every night does wonders for keeping the sores down... at least once a day you know they get blood. Cayenne or ginger in the water, and just stick them in a tub or bucket.

Does he sit or up and about all day? Sitting, you want a little space heater/blower at your feet. Up and about is harder. The magnets I've heard good about. Otherwise, I change my socks a few times a day, when it's cold and I'm out doing things. The dry helps a LOT.

Make sure the shoes fit well. Too tight will only worsen the whole thing.

At night, I often heat a bean pillow and tuck it at my toes. The blankets hold the heat in and it stays warm nearly all night.

*tries to think of what else she does*

If they do get cold, you can wrap the toes to warm, but don't rub them. That makes horrid sores. The skin dries and falls off when you lose circulation. You want to massage the foot itself and just sorta push the blood to the toes themselves. Keeping the skin clean and dry is the most important part for sore prevention.

Propping the legs when you sleep helps circulation too! If he sleeps on his back, a pillow under the knees... or a pillow to prop the top leg on his side. You can slip a heated bean bag under the pillow case to add warmth, too.

That's all I can think of. That's pretty much all I do LOL.

ETA: Oh yeh!!! Inverted yoga poses. The plow (even supported onto a chair or bed), shoulder stands, etc... All help leg circulation immensely. If he isn't into yoga, do supported inverts. Even lying on the floor with your legs up the wall helps a bit, but the more of the back that lifts, too, the better

 

[tortoise]

I have poor circulation too and cracking my knuckles warms up my fingers for a little while, lol.

I also use those rice bag warmers. Put it in the microwave for 2 - 3 minutes and you get at least an hour of warmth. Works for sitting still. Not so much for moving around.

 

[AL]

Socks over the heater until time to wear them and (if he can work up his nerve ) a cut off pair of knee-hi nylons under the socks.

 

[Denim Deb]

Cayenne pepper in his socks.

 

[MorelCabin]

Real wool slippers...there is something about real wool that really does keep the warmth in. And a hot water bottle at his feet at bedtime

 

[sheaviance1]

Have you ever asked your doctor about or tried the stockings that are used in the hospital post-surgery to improve circulation to the legs and prevent blood clots?