Top Tips To Put A Spring Back In Your Step!

By Moira Chisholm

Shutterstock / New Africa ©

Pic: Shutterstock

A new survey commissioned by Deep Freeze – the go-to topical product with scientifically proven cooling – has revealed that more than half of Brits have experienced tired and hot discomfort in their feet and legs yet most (75%) just ignore it and carry on. And not only were people stoic about pushing through the ‘can’t carry on barrier’, but a third also said they never take rest days when their joints and muscles are feeling off-color and, in those who do, almost four in ten say they feel guilty about it.

Physiotherapist Sammy Margo

Physiotherapist Sammy Margo an expert advisor to Deep Freeze, says: “We should never feel guilty for giving our legs and feet a break – as ignoring the problem will most likely make it worse. Using a fast-acting, drug-free, cooling glide-on product is my go-to self-care solution, and Deep Freeze Glide-On Gel ticks all the boxes here. I use it at the earliest sign of tired and hot legs and feet, followed by getting to the root cause of the problem. The solution could be more supportive footwear, rebalancing your stance if you tend to favour one leg when standing, or stretching your toes and arches if you have been doing a lot of walking.”

Walking on glass

Seven out of ten adults in the Deep Freeze poll experienced foot distress, while around six in ten had hot, tired discomfort in their ankles or calves, with a further third or more of people polled experiencing the same challenges in their inner foot soles with respondents saying it felt their feet were walking on broken glass.

The top reason given for overworked feet and legs – at 38% – was taking part in exercise, followed by standing for too long (37%) or wearing the wrong type of shoes (31%). Accidents caused fewer than a third of lower leg problems.

Physiotherapist Sammy Margo adds: “Hot, tired feeling in the lower legs is often overlooked, but research shows that if we don’t address uncomfortable legs and feet, it can have a knock-on effect in other body areas, like the back.

“Another reason for paying attention to what our feet are telling us is they carry the entire weight of our body each day as we go about our work and daily activities. Shoes, desk positions, or how a driving seat is set up can all lead to uncomfortable legs and feet.”

Check out your shoes

High heels shoe feet pain. Closeup of woman barefoot with painful toes has removed her formal stilettos at work or is embarrassed of foot problem, nails or in discomfort at shoe store or home.;

Pic: Shutterstock

Physiotherapist Sammy Margo notes further: “Simple everyday activities that we do without thinking can affect your legs and feet, such as standing for too long at work, walking long distances, working out with old worn-out trainers, or wearing unsupportive shoes. Ugg boots, ballet pumps, and summer flip flops are the worst offenders when it comes to caring for our feet as they provide very little arch support”.

Pay heed to early warning signs

Three-quarters of people in the Deep Freeze survey claim to listen to their bodies and know the early warning signs to slow down, yet most still refuse to take rest despite their feet feeling hot, tired, and weary. Not only this, but people are also determined to hobble through work meetings, even if they feel uncomfortable, and would choose to bail out of a social event (53%) more than a work meeting (47%) when joints are challenging.

Leg and foot troubles are no joke

Pic: Shutterstock

Discomfort from foot and leg woes is certainly no joke as many in the Deep Freeze survey found. More than nine in ten who experience uncomfortable legs and feet have been impacted in some way resulting in:

Nearly seven in ten have difficulty with walking;
Four in ten had to slow their normal walking speed;
Around a quarter (24%) slept poorly;
A similar proportion (25%) had to give up exercise;
More than a sixth (15%) were unable to drive.

Physiotherapist Sammy Margo, adds: “I would recommend gentle massage of the undersole of the feet and the calf muscles as these areas can often be the drivers for lower leg troubles. Fast, topical cooling relief with Deep Freeze Glide-on Gel can be applied to hot spots on the lower legs several times a day. Also, we all need to keep active and exercise. Hence if you do get foot and lower leg challenges when active, then use the Deep Freeze Glide-on Gel after standing on your feet for a long period of exercise to help soothe, cool, and ease discomfort”.

Deep Freeze Glide-on Gel RRP: £4.99 for 50g

Stockists: Sainsbury’s, Boots, Tesco, Superdrug.

COOL YOUR WAY TO HEALTH: FIVE TIPS FOR HAPPY LEGS AND FEET from Physiotherapist Sammy Margo

Cropped image of female barista working at coffeeshop and using cash register when accepting payment or entering order details

Pic: Shutterstock

DO target overworked feet and legs early by using Deep Freeze Glide-on Gel. It’s fast-acting, scientifically proven and drug-free, plus it instantly cools and soothes tired, over-used legs and feet. Also, try Deep Freeze Cold Patch for long-lasting cooling and soothing relief
DO take a look at what’s causing your foot or leg discomforts, such as wearing flat unsupportive shoes or high heels all day, or your driving or desk position
DON’T feel guilty about taking time out from a busy lifestyle when foot or leg discomfort strikes and DO ask your boss for alternatives if your job involves a lot of standing
DO stretch your toes and arches regularly, and massage the undersoles of your feet with Deep Freeze Glide-on Gel, if you’ve been doing a lot of walking or wearing high heels
DO stay active to maintain good circulation and help prevent your legs and feet become tired and uncomfortable. Walking (in supportive shoes), swimming or yoga is a great exercise for all-over body health.