Recommended Warmest Socks for Chilblain Toes during Winter

LSimply-Me on 03/05/2022 - 21:11
Last edited 04/05/2022 - 09:28 by 1 other user

Have been suffering from severe chilblain on my toes in the last three winters and don't want to go through the same suffering again this year.

Tried various woollen socks, double-layered socks inside dress boots during the day and UGG boots at home, but still cannot keep my toes from freezing and getting swollen. Have also consulted with numerous podiatrists and doctors but they cannot give me any solutions.

Could anyone please recommend better socks options that can be bought in Australia or how to fix this?

Thanks.

• 

  Mechz on 03/05/2022 - 21:26

  You probably want something heated with rechargeable batteries for home and proper compression thermals for going out if it's really that bad.

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  RiseAndRuin on 03/05/2022 - 21:27

  +3

  Just my 2c, not medical advice.
  I have a similar issue and when it's really cold I use knee high warm cotton socks but I didn't buy them in Australia (you could try merino socks as well). Also, not sitting for too long and doing some mild exercise for your legs at regular intervals e.g. 20 squats every hour, as blood circulation can help a lot - YMMV.

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  wobblydrow on 03/05/2022 - 21:29

  +1

  If the doctor can't help then you probably need a specialist, not OZB…..

  Have you considered some of the boots or socks that are heated?. Might need to import them available in colder climates such as Canada, Northern Europe etc.google them and plenty around d

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  ChocStrawberries on 03/05/2022 - 22:36

  +1

  I suffer from Raynaud's pretty badly, and find the Heat Holders range to be pretty good. Just wash them before you wear them since the lining sheds on your feet if your don't!

  Other than socks/slippers, three main things have helped prevent chilblains for me: 1) never walk around barefoot, even on carpet. 2) make sure your feet are warm before you put socks/shoes/slippers on (this is the equivalent of starting with warm/hot tap water, rather than cold, when boiling water - gives the warmth a head start) and 3) don't put freezing cold hands or feet straight into very warm/hot water. Start slightly warm and build up the heat.

  Hope some of this helps!

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  Pcosmic on 03/05/2022 - 23:13

  Apply some petroleum jelly on it. I use Vaseline. I might try toe warmers this winter and see if that helps.

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  garetz on 03/05/2022 - 23:21

  buy australian made merino wool socks

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  pao2x on 04/05/2022 - 00:11

  Heat holders are out of stock in target. There are clones in ebay. Ive used both and they are effective

  • 

    ChocStrawberries on 04/05/2022 - 00:41

    +1

    Aussie Sock Shop or Amazon Aus have free postage if you can't find them in bricks and mortar shops. :)

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  Quantumcat on 04/05/2022 - 07:22

  Try these: https://www.heatholders.com/collections/mens-original-socks/…

  I got mine at my local chemist. They are super warm, you feel the heat as soon as you put them on. Though they seem to lose the heating ability after a few dozen washes. Mine last around 2 winters before they are just like normal thick socks and I get another pair.

  If you wore a pair of these, and rested your feet on a hot water bottle from time to time you should have no problems. Also don't sit still for too long at a time, try to go for a bit of a walk every hour if you have an office job. And maybe scrunch your toes up a few times every few minutes.

  • 

    freefall101 on 04/05/2022 - 09:31

    +2

    Recommend the same. I bought these when I moved to Canada (up north, got as cold as -40). These made my feet too warm and I switched back to regular wool.

    IMO I wouldn't go with the hot water bottle but keep boots on most of the time. Best to retain heat rather than try add more, I found just keeping on some good leather boots always kept heat in really well. The second they come off, you lose a lot of heat.

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  GG57 on 04/05/2022 - 09:06

  The warmest socks I have are made from possum fur, made in NZ but I've seen them in a few places for sale here. There are also blends of wool / possum available.
  I have no idea if that will help or not.

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  Presence on 04/05/2022 - 09:37

  Have you tried wearing snow boots?

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  Adredocto on 04/05/2022 - 11:48

  Compression socks? Sounds like a circulation issue.
  Warm socks trap the heat. Can't do that if no warmth is getting there through blood flow.

  • 

    ChocStrawberries on 04/05/2022 - 20:44

    As someone who suffers badly with secondary Raynaud's, I've read a lot about compression socks/gloves. Some experts say they can help with vascular issues (e.g Raynaud's), but others say they can make things worse, because they limit blood flow even more. Personally, I can't wear compression gear - the pain is unbearable and my fingers/toes are numb within seconds. Might be worth trying, though!

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  Simply-Me on 05/05/2022 - 16:42

  Thanks everyone for the input. Will try the suggesstions.

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  Tames71 on 10/05/2022 - 17:14

  Uniqlo Heat tech socks.