Muscle damage made worse by the cold

strawb_shortcake

Not sure if this is the right place, but I have some muscle damage to my lower leg following a car accident. I had a huge haematoma, size of a hand and hugely swollen about this was about 2.5 years ago. 
My leg took quite a long time to recover, I did have physiotherapy, but I still have a noticable dent in my leg. 
Its usually trouble free, but can feel it when walking on running on inclines and declines.
But the real problem seems to be that it gets really painful in the cold weather, I had to sit in a drafty room for 2 hours yesterday, and after I had a proper chill (yes it does make me feel and sound like an 80 year old). My leg since has been so sore, it feels like a cold stab working down from the injury site to my foot, it almost feels like cramp  but not quite - can't quite explain it. 
I just wondered if anyone had any tips on how to manage this? I think I may have to try physio again but not sure how this would work in mitigating the cold.

MovingForwards

Wrap up, leg warmers, thick woolly tights, hot water bottle, heat patch, heater next to you or a combination of it.

@annabanana82 if it's any comfort, I go down the pan when the weather changes.

strawb_shortcake

MovingForwards said:

Wrap up, leg warmers, thick woolly tights, hot water bottle, heat patch, heater next to you or a combination of it.

@annabanana82 if it's any comfort, I go down the pan when the weather changes.

Leg warmers, I miss those. I did think earlier that a heat patch might be the way forward. 

Its rubbish, its usually the leg, back and neck goes once the cold weather starts

Spoonie_Turtle

Long, thick socks are also a good option. Non sock-related I find fluffy teddy fleece tends to insulate better than most clothing options but I'm not sure how much use that is for legs - the last time I went outside I had knee-high bamboo socks, fluffy PJ bottoms then reasonably thick but loose enough trousers over them. (That was about a month ago though, so I'd probably need some leggings too now.) My whole body takes a nosedive in colder weather so I sympathise!

Also if you can, keeping your leg gently moving might help circulate warm blood so it doesn't get quite as cold.

When I have to go out in proper clothes I wear knee-high boots too, which help protect against draughts.

MovingForwards

I picked up some ski socks for relaxing inside, got a few blankets and a thick dressing gown.

Also knee high boots, layers, thermals, decent winter coat, hat, scarf, gloves for going out. Health over looks for me!

I've been known to sit in my coat at work, blanket over my legs and fingerless gloves as the office was that cold, that resulted in a heater being purchased for me.

Unless people have these problems, they don't realise how bad it it. Even after I've explained it's from the head down and how I'm affected it gets forgotten.

strawb_shortcake

It wasn't until I had the car accident and how much I suffered after that I really appreciated what others go through and how they have to manage pain. 
My Husband, should have been a Doctor, his answer is that I need to diet and exercise more! 
I'll be stocking up on some thermals, and I can now be better prepared for my January exam where I'll have to be in another draughty room for 2 hours, might perform better in that one if I'm warmer... 

Spoonie_Turtle

I used to stick a hot water bottle in my waistband - yes, even while commuting to/from work. Though the massive baggy knee-length duvet coat made it hard to tell whether it was extra padding or just bagginess  Definitely health over looks for me too! 
(Now when I go out it's even harder to tell because I'm sitting down in a wheelchair, wearing the same baggy duvet coat and with my bag on my lap often with a blanket too!)

strawb_shortcake

I remember my Mum taking a hot water bottle out with her, I think that might have been for period pain?? 
At home I wrap myself up warm, work is a bit more difficult as we sometimes have contractors in, but one of my Managers has a work blanket to wrap up in. 
I went out the other day and looked down and realised how much I take comfort and warmth over looks now

MovingForwards

Try for reasonable adjustments for your exam and have a chat with your manager about having a blanket. I've a kids hot water bottle as it's easier to put in a bag and take it places.

It's more trial and error to find something, or a combination, which helps.

Mine was a car accident too. Each year I forget how bad winter affects me and I've decided to write it on the calendar next year, so I know it's coming. Half the battle is being prepared.

strawb_shortcake

Work is okay as I'm still working from home and will be until April I expect. 
I think that's part of the problem with it being weather related it takes you by surprise.
I'm going to give the heat patches ago, and maybe do my bit at bringing back leg warmers.

Pollycat

Primark do fleece-lined leggings.

They are really thick, I find them too hot for me but maybe worth a try when they reopen.

IIRC, they did different colours, maybe black, grey and maroon.