It's normal to get cold feet
from time to time. Temperature changes and health and lifestyle choices are
some of the most common causes of cold feet, and adjusting these factors will
usually help relieve symptoms.
This article looks at these and several medical causes of cold
feet. We also provide a list of home remedies for keeping the feet warm and
comfortable.
Causes of cold feet
Cold feet can be caused by various factors, including cold
weather, poor circulation, and nerve disorders. Causes of cold feet include:
Cold temperatures
One of the body's natural responses to colder temperatures is cold
feet. Blood vessels in the extremities, such as the hands and feet, constrict
when the body enters a colder environment. This reduces blood flow to these
areas and the amount of heat lost by the body.
The extremities are the parts of the body furthest from the vital
organs, so reducing blood flow to the extremities also helps keep warmth and
blood flow in the more important body parts.
Reduced blood flow can decrease oxygen in the tissues, causing
them to turn bluish over time. These symptoms are usually not severe when they
are only temporary, and the body will return to normal as it warms up again.
Raynaud's phenomenon occurs when a person's blood circulation is
restricted due to cold temperatures or high stress, resulting in freezing or
numb fingers and toes.
High stress or anxiety
Cold feet can also be caused by high stress or anxiety. The
release of adrenaline into the bloodstream is one of the body's natural
responses to stress or anxiety.
As it circulates, adrenaline causes the blood vessels at the
periphery to constrict, decreasing blood flow to the outermost areas of the
body. This response reserves energy and prepares for any bodily harm that may
happen due to the high-stress situation.
The modern world is full of stressors, but not many put the body
at immediate risk, so this protective response may be more harmful than helpful
if it is regularly making the feet or hands cold. In these cases, reducing
stress and tension may help alleviate symptoms.
Circulation issues
Circulatory problems frequently cause cold feet. A person with
poor circulation will often complain of cold hands and feet because they cannot
get enough warm blood to their extremities.
A variety of factors can cause circulation problems. A sedentary
lifestyle, such as sitting at a desk all day, can reduce circulation in the
legs, resulting in cold feet.
Because smoking tobacco products makes it more difficult for blood
to reach all body parts, smokers are more likely to experience cold feet.
High cholesterol levels can cause plaque formation inside
arteries, reducing circulation to the legs and feet, resulting in cold feet.
Various heart conditions can cause cold feet, so anyone with
existing heart problems or risk factors should consult their doctor.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which a person's body has an insufficient
number of normal red blood cells. This can be caused by various factors, such
as iron, vitamin B12, folate deficiency, or chronic kidney disease.
Moderate to severe cases of anemia may cause cold feet. Anemia
usually responds well to nutritional and supplement changes.
Anemia should be diagnosed by a doctor and treated according to
their recommendations.
Diabetes mellitus
Circulation problems, such as cold feet or hands, maybe a risk for
diabetics.
High blood sugar levels regularly can cause artery narrowing and a
reduced blood supply to the tissues, resulting in cold feet.
In some people, diabetes can lead to diabetic peripheral
neuropathy, a form of nerve damage. Diabetic nerve damage occurs when a
person's blood sugar level is uncontrolled for an extended period.
Other symptoms of diabetic nerve damage include tingling or
prickling sensations, numbness, or burning pain in the feet and legs. Symptoms
could be more severe at night.
Nerve disorders
Other nerve disorders could also cause regular cold feet. Trauma
or injury, such as severe frostbite, can cause nerve damage and an underlying
medical condition.
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by various factors, including
liver or kidney disease, infection, or genetics. Additional symptoms, such as
numbness and tingling, are common. While waiting for a proper diagnosis,
treating symptoms like cold feet can help a person feel better.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is caused by a thyroid gland that is underactive
and produces a low level of thyroid hormone, which affects the body's
metabolism.
Circulation, heartbeat, and body temperature are all affected by
the body's metabolism, so anything that affects thyroid function and causes
hypothyroidism can cause cold feet.
Hypothyroidism can make people more sensitive to the cold in
general and cause other symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and memory
problems.
Remedy at home
Working directly with a doctor to diagnose any underlying causes
of cold feet is the most effective way to avoid the symptom.
On the other hand, many home remedies can help warm the feet and
keep a person comfortable.
Movement
As simple as it may seem, getting up and moving is one of the
simplest ways to warm the body and improve blood flow to and from the feet.
People who suffer from cold feet due to their desk job may benefit
from regularly getting up and walking around the office.
Getting the blood flowing with cardio activities like jogging or
even jumping jacks may be enough to keep the feet warm all day.
Socks and slipper.
For people with cold feet, warm, well-insulated socks are
essential. Wear well-insulated slippers indoors may also be beneficial,
especially if one does not have carpeted or heated floors.
Keeping the feet warm and preventing additional heat loss is a
great way to help them stay warm.
Footbaths
One of the quickest ways to relieve cold feet is to soak them in a
warm footbath.
To keep fresh blood circulating in the feet throughout the day,
fill a bathtub or basin with warm water and soak the feet for 10 to 15 minutes.
This is especially beneficial right before bedtime because it relieves tension
and relaxes the muscles.
People with diabetic nerve damage should avoid warming their feet
with hot water because they may not be able to tell if the water is too hot or
not. This can lead to accidental burns.
Heating pads or hot water bottles
People who have trouble sleeping due to cold feet can keep the
area around their feet warm by placing a heating pad or hot water bottle at the
foot of the bed.
Heating pads may also help soothe sore muscles after a long day of
standing.
When to see a doctor
Although having occasional cold feet is normal, there are some
instances when a visit to the doctor may be necessary. Anyone who has cold feet
regularly or for no apparent cause should consult their doctor about possible
causes.
If a person's cold feet are accompanied by other symptoms, such as
the following, they should see a doctor:
- fatigue
- weight loss or gain
- fever
- significant joint pain
- sores on the fingers or toes that take a long time to heal
- skin changes, such as rashes, scales, or thick skin
If the feet feel cold internally, but the skin does not feel cold
to the touch, a person should see a doctor, as this may be a sign of nerve
damage or other neurological conditions.
Outlook
It's perfectly normal to get cold feet now and then. Persistent symptoms
may be something to discuss with a doctor, but treating the underlying cause
should help the feet return to a better temperature.
In the meantime, taking immediate steps, such as wearing thick socks or using a hot footbath, can help warm the feet up quickly.