When we go for a walk, we always try not to get our feet wet, but in autumn, winter and spring this happens especially often. It's enough to get caught in the rain, walk through puddles or wear shoes that are not appropriate for the season, and our socks immediately become wet. Since childhood, we know that wet feet are a sure way to catch a cold. If you don't change your shoes and keep warm in time, serious health problems can arise, ranging from a common cold to bronchitis and even kidney disease. Why are our feet so vulnerable to the cold?
Contents
- 1 The connection between wet feet and colds
- 2 Why you shouldn't get your feet wet
- 3 What diseases do wet feet lead to?
- 4 What to do if you get your feet wet
The connection between wet feet and colds
For many, this will be a big discovery, but wet feet do not always cause colds. If this were the case, then every trip to the pool or trip to the sea would end in illness. Everything depends on the surrounding conditions and the initial state of health of the person.
In 2005, scientists conducted an experiment involving two groups of volunteers. The first group kept their feet in cold water for 20 minutes, while the second group kept their feet in an empty basin. The results showed that 13 people from the first group caught a cold, while only 5 people from the second group did. Based on this, it follows that wet feet do not increase the risk of illness as much as is commonly believed.
Why You Shouldn't Get Your Feet Wet
Although wet feet do not always cause a cold, it is still better to keep them warm.
Legs, especially feet, play a very important role in our body and need good blood supply. When the legs get cold, the vessels in the feet narrow to retain heat. However, this can lead to spasms that spread throughout the body, including the nasal mucosa. And it is the nasal mucosa that serves as the first barrier to infections, holding back up to 10% of harmful microorganisms.
When the vessels of the nasal mucosa narrow, its protective function is impaired: mucus stagnates, and the immune system weakens. This opens the way for viruses, which increases the risk of respiratory infections. Of course, wet feet do not always immediately lead to such consequences – you need to stay in the damp for a long time. But a cold wind or wet shoes can accelerate hypothermia and make a person more vulnerable to diseases.
Read also: 5 foods that should not be eaten during a cold – you can get worse
What diseases do wet feet lead to
Wet feet can cause not only a cold, but also more serious illnesses. This is especially true for women who are at risk of cystitis— an inflammation of the bladder that often occurs due to hypothermia.
In more severe cases, wet feet can cause inflammation of the kidneys. This condition requires antibiotic treatment and is accompanied by pain when urinating. Also, when a person's kidneys are inflamed, the color of their urine changes, their body temperature rises, and they experience lower back pain.
In addition, overcooling of the feet can cause exacerbation of joint diseases. People suffering from gout, arthritis or arthrosis of the ankle are especially vulnerable to cold and dampness. Exacerbations of such diseases can be extremely painful and require long-term treatment.
Everyone should know about this: What will happen if you do not go to the toilet for a long time – a list of frightening consequences
What to do if you get your feet wet
If a person gets his feet wet, this does not mean that a cold is inevitable. There are several simple steps that will help you avoid unpleasant consequences.
First, a person should take off wet shoes and socks. After this, it is worth warming up your feet – it is better to do this in a basin of warm water. Then you can massage your feet with a warming ointment to improve blood circulation. Then it is better to put on dry and warm socks.
Hot tea with ginger and honey is a great way to warm up from the inside and strengthen your immune system. After all of the above procedures, you should rest, wrapped in a warm blanket, to help your body recover.
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If you were interested in this article, pay attention to our material “Why men suffer from colds harder than women.”