Having cold feet can feel like such a burden, especially during the cold winter months. For some people, the solution is to put on a pair of socks or head to a warmer part of the house, but for others this problem is never-ending. If you notice that your feet can’t seem to stay warm no matter what you do, this blog post is for you.
The Cause of Cold Feet
Cold feet is the body’s normal reaction to cold temperatures, but there are also a variety of health issues that have cold feet as an unfortunate side effect.
High Stress or Anxiety
Being in a constant state of high stress or anxiety can put your body through repeated adrenaline being pushed through the body. As it circulates, adrenaline causes the blood vessels at the periphery to constrict, which decreases the flow of blood to the outermost areas of the body. This response helps the body reserve energy and prepare the body for any harm that it may receive.
The world is full of harmless stressors that end up causing your body to release adrenaline even when it’s not necessary. Our recommendation is to try stress-relieving activities and do your best to eliminate any unnecessary stressors in your life.
Circulation Issues
Circulation issues are some of the most common causes of cold feet. A person with poor circulation struggles to get enough blood to warm their extremities, thus complaining about cold feet and hands frequently. Poor circulation can be caused by living a sedentary lifestyle or sitting at a desk all day. High cholesterol is also a common culprit of circulation issues due to the effect it has on the inside of your arteries. In severe cases, heart conditions can cause poor circulation in the body.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition that occurs when a person has too few normal red blood cells in their body. Anemia can be caused by a deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, folate, or chronic kidney disease. Moderate to severe cases of anemia can cause cold hands and feet, but can be fixed with changes in diets and supplements. It’s best to have anemia diagnosed by a doctor and to follow their treatment recommendations.
Diabetes Mellitus
People with diabetes may be at risk for poor circulation that causes cold feet and hands. Some people with diabetes also develop peripheral neuropathy, which is a form of nerve damage. Diabetic nerve damage typically happens in people who have an uncontrolled, high blood sugar level for long periods of time.
Nerve Disorders
Other nerve disorders such as damage caused by trauma, an injury, or something as severe as frostbite can cause cold feet. Aside from diabetes, Peripheral neuropathy may also be caused by liver or kidney disease, infection, or genetics.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is caused by an underactive thyroid gland, producing a low level of thyroid hormone, which has a negative effect on the body’s metabolism. The metabolism affects a lot in the body such as circulation, heartbeat, and body temperature. Essentially anything that has an impact on thyroid function can lead to cold feet.
The Treatment
Due to the fact that there are so many different reasons why you might experience cold feet, it’s recommended to see a Podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Instead of chalking cold feet up to the weather or a cold house, you should contact a Podiatrist if cold feet is a daily occurrence despite wearing socks, or it being a warm day outside.