Be careful when you go jogging in winter. Frostbite can afflict anyone who ventures outside in subfreezing temperatures. Exposed areas of skin get frozen, which can make it look pale and feel hard to the touch. Fortunately, you can prevent frostbite or, if it does occur, minimize the damage.
About Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when the skin, and sometimes the underlying tissues, freezes, according to the Medline Plus medical encyclopedia. It reports that while any part of the body can suffer frostbite, extremities such as toes, fingers, ears, and nose are most vulnerable. Joggers are particularly vulnerable to frostbite because their workouts may keep them outside for long periods of time and because hard-core enthusiasts may choose to exercise during high winds or snowstorms, according to the Sports Medicine section of the Top End Sports website.
Frostbite Prevention
Warmth is the key to frostbite prevention. Medline recommends wearing layers of warm, windproof and waterproof clothing. Medline also recommends making sure your clothing isn't too tight. Restrictive garments, including tight boots and gloves, inhibit circulation and increase your risk for frostbite. Layering is especially important for joggers because it allows you to remove layers as you warm up. Be careful about perspiration; it cools quickly once you stop moving, which can increase your risk of frostbite.
Recognition and Treatment
Severe or improperly treated frostbite, especially if it occurs in your toes or feet, can put a permanent end to your jogging. According to Medline, severe frostbite damages blood vessels, and the affected area may need to be amputated. To prevent this, know the early signs of frostbite, such as pins-and-needles sensations in the extremities. If you start to lose feeling in any part of your body, it's time to go inside. Medline recommends treating frostbite by wrapping the affected part in sterile gauze, keeping it as still as possible, and seeking skilled medical treatment.
Alternatives to Jogging Outdoors
A surefire way to prevent frostbite is not to go outside when it's very cold, snowy, or windy. Many gyms have walking tracks or treadmills, which allow you to exercise in comfort. If severe weather keeps you at home, you can do aerobics, run stairs or do strength training. Whatever form of exercise you choose, remember that long-term tissue damage is too high a price to pay for missing one workout.
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