Tips for Dealing with Cold Intolerance in One’s Leg

Question: I had non-paralytic polio in 1949 when I was 2. I now wear two leg braces; one on my polio leg for drop foot and the other one on my left leg because I started dragging that foot. My right leg is always very cold to the touch even though it never feels cold to me unless I touch it. Is there any therapy or anything else I can do to get this atrophied leg warm? I wear compression knee socks and sometimes two pairs of regular knee socks and these do not solve the problem. Thank you for all you do to help polio survivors.

Answer: You are doing the only helpful thing for cold polio-atrophied legs by wearing layers of warm socks in cooler weather. Try to put the socks on when the leg is at its warmest, like after a hot bath or first thing in the morning before getting out of a warm bed. I would reassure you that the persistent coldness will not lead to other problems, nor is it likely a sign of other problems. I know you stay active and that may be helpful also.