How you go about applying first aid to any problem depends on what is causing it. Walking a marathon exposes your legs to stress, heat and sun. In addition, you may have muscle fatigue in the legs or an insect bite causing an allergic reaction. Recovering from a marathon requires rest, food and water. If you feel ill, dizzy, short of breath or have extensive bruising, seek medical evaluation and treatment.
Step 1
Move indoors or to a cool area and sit down.
Step 2
Elevate your legs with a pillow placed under your feet as you lie down or lean back in a comfortable position.
Step 3
Soak a towel in cool water and lay it over your legs. Remain in this position for 20 minutes to see if redness fades.
Step 4
Rub aloe vera over the affected skin for a sunburn. If the cause of the redness is sunburn, the skin will be hot and sore when you touch it. There may be blisters. Your body may feel achy and you might have chills or a headache. Use the aloe vera product several times a day until the burn fades.
Step 5
Look for a rash on the legs if the problem is not sunburn. A rash may indicate an allergic reaction or contact with a toxic plant such as poison ivy. Rashes present as red dots or large bumps.
Step 6
Take an antihistamine if you determine the redness is a rash. If the rash itches, apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the affected area.
Tips and Warnings
- Taking a cool bath will reduce discomfort and swelling. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever if the skin is sore. Eat a small snack and drink plenty of water as you recover from the marathon.
- Large bumps on the legs that itch may be hives and be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Call for medical help if your throat feels tight or if you are dizzy, short of breath, nauseous or have pains in your chest. If you have a headache that does not respond to pain medicine, see a doctor. If you injured your legs during the marathon, go to the emergency room for care.
Things You'll Need
- Pillow
- Aloe vera
Member Comments