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IOL News
5 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Beyond the marathon: 5 Steps for a post-Comrades recovery
For many, the 2025 Comrades Marathon was a first attempt at the ultimate human race, while for others, the down-run was another medal to add to the Comrades tally. But for both first-time and seasoned competitors, the days following the Comrades will focus on recovery – with feet often taking centre stage. 'We'd like to congratulate all the participants in the 2025 Comrades Marathon – it was another exceptional display of the human spirit and the wonderful camaraderie that comes from such endurance competitions,' commented Lynsey Hammond, MD for Kroko, a leading South African footcare brand. It's important not to simply focus on footcare immediately after the race, but over time to ensure long-term care. It's important to incorporate regular exfoliation – usually once or twice a week – to prevent the buildup of hardened skin over time. Image: Supplied Neglecting proper recovery care can lead to chronic pain, prolonged fatigue, and even injuries that sideline runners for months. A structured recovery plan ensures: Faster muscle repair Reduced risk of overuse injuries Alleviation of pain and inflammation Better flexibility and range of motion Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage Psychological benefits and stress reduction Healthier feet for future races Hammond has shared 5 helpful post-Comrades recovery tips to stimulate healing and ensure long-term healthcare for runners. Once the race has been run, it's important to keep moving around gently directly afterwards to prevent stiffness while replenishing fluids. Ice baths for around 10 to 15 minutes are also proving to be an effective recovery tool, helping to reduce muscle inflammation. Hammond says elevating legs will also reduce swelling by improving circulation. In the days following the Comrades Marathon, runners are likely to experience some muscle pain and inflammation. Some light movement, such as short walks or swimming, is a great way to prevent stiffness, and an anti-inflammatory diet – turmeric, ginger, Omega 3s – is great for reducing inflammation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading It's also important to protect pressure points using a product like Kroko Corn Protectors to cushion sensitive areas during recovery walks. Finally, for stubborn cracks, administering a soothing product like Kroko HeelFix will provide intensive healing. Image: Supplied After running for some 90 kilometres, runners' feet are often blistered, swollen, and covered in calluses – thickened, hardened areas of skin as a result of constant friction. The first thing to do after the run is gently cleanse the feet with lukewarm water and mild soap to prevent infection. After drying thoroughly, it's best to moisturise, using a soothing product like Kroko's Heel Balm to heal cracked skin and replenish moisture. Blisters are quite common for long-distance runners, but it's important not to pop them. Rather, keep the area clean and cover any blisters with a bandage or dressing. If a blister bursts, gently wash the area, leave the skin in place, and cover it with a sterile dressing. For corns or calluses, use Kroko Medicated Corn Plaster, Kroko CornFix, or Kroko Corn and Callus remover for gradual healing.
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Climate
- IOL News
As Winter sets in, expert tips for maintaining healthy hands
As the Winter months approach, a noticeable dip in temperature and humidity looms on the horizon, even along the coastal regions. Lynsey Hammond, the Managing Director for Kroko, a leading South African skincare manufacturer explains that while many welcome the cooler weather, the dry air can severely impact our skin, leading to chapped, parched, and cracked hands if proper skincare routines are not adhered to early on. 'Our hands are one of the most exposed parts of our body, making them particularly vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.' 'The cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating can strip the skin of its natural oils, creating dryness, irritation, and even painful cracks. Proper hand care is essential not only for comfort but also for maintaining the skin's protective barrier during winter.' Hammond shares her expert advice on the do's and don'ts of winter hand care, allowing you to maintain soft and healthy hands throughout the season: DON'T wash hands with hot water: While it might be tempting to use hot water to warm up in winter, it can strip your skin of its natural oils. Stick to lukewarm water instead. DO moisturise regularly: After washing your hands, it is essential to apply an emollient hand cream, preferring one that includes UV protection to avoid dehydration. Consider keeping moisturiser by the basin for easy access right after washing. DO use gentle soaps: Many hand soaps contain harsh chemicals that further dry out your skin. Opt for all-natural, moisturising hand soaps that replenish the skin as you wash. DO wear gloves: For those in particularly cold climates or with sensitive skin, wearing gloves when outside and using rubber gloves for household tasks will help protect against the cold air and harsh detergents. DO exfoliate gently: Limit exfoliation to once a week with a mild scrub to remove dead skin cells while safeguarding your skin barrier from damage. DO stay hydrated: Much like in summer, it's crucial to keep your hydration levels up during winter by drinking plenty of water, thus retaining skin moisture from within. DO protect cracked skin: Cracked fingers may still occur despite best efforts. A swift solution like Kroko's FingerFix can help heal and cover cracked skin on fingers without bulky plasters—a valuable tool for anyone whose work relies heavily on their hands. Kroko's FingerFix not only aids in healing cracks but is also an ideal solution for general dryness and for those prone to picking at their skin. Chefs, butchers, doctors, carpenters, anglers, artists, and even office workers will find it an essential addition to their winter skincare routine. 'Winter can be harsh on our hands, but with the right care before and throughout winter, you can keep them soft and healthy,' Hammond adds. 'At Kroko, we understand the importance of effective skincare, which is why Kroko FingerFix is designed to provide targeted solutions for even the most stubborn skin issues.' Saturday Star
