Why You Can’t Forget Your Constant Cold Feet

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If you’re wearing two pairs of fuzzy socks Right now, your feet are still FreezingYou might have already accepted that being cold-natured It is not the norm. But, having perpetually cold feet — in the literal sense, not in the being-overly-nervous-about-something sense — could be a sign of a health issue that you should get checked out.

The winter months are cold and can lead to cold feet. Usually, you and your feet will warm up once you’re inside a heated space or slip on your wooly socks. Still, Saylee Tulpule, DPMWashington, D.C.-based podiatrist, and spokesperson of the American Podiatric Medical Association, says, “When cold feet continue to progress — they’re cold even if you’re at home, or the feet are cold and causing pain — that’s a warning sign that must get treated by a physician.”

Many medical conditions can occur, but not all. circulation-related problems, can make your feet cold — and sometimes also tingly, discolored and painful. These issues won’t resolve on their own, so medical attention is crucial. If left untreated, poor circulation can have more serious consequences for your health.

Good Housekeeping We asked doctors for their opinions on common causes of cold feet, as well as other symptoms to watch out for. Here are some more details about when to seek help. It is really Cold toes can be a problem. Here are some tips to help you keep your feet warm.

What might be causing your feet to become cold?

The main concern must be: with poor circulation, and many issues may be impacting this aspect of your cardiovascular health — including smoking, heart conditions, diabetesDiabetes, high blood pressure, and other health issues. Here’s a look at some specific reasons your feet are always cold:

1) You may have peripheral arterial disease.

One condition that can cause cold feet is related to circulation. peripheral artery disease (PAD) is also known as peripheral vascular disease. Tulpule states that this causes blood vessels carrying blood from the heart and lungs to narrow or become blocked. This results in less blood reaching your feet. Other PAD symptoms include pain or cramping in your legsSlow-healing leg or foot wounds skin discoloration And poor nail growth.

PAD can be dangerous. If it’s not treated, it can cause infections, gangrene, and possible leg or foot amputation, Tulpule says. According to material published by the, it can also increase your risk of stroke, high blood pressure and heart attack. American Heart Association.

2) You have a cardiac condition.

A cold foot could indicate a more serious cardiovascular problem. Plaque builds up in your arteries and affects circulation. The body focuses on circulating blood to vital organs, like your brain and lungs, to overcompensate for the heart’s inability to pump blood to the whole body — which then often restricts blood flow to your limbs, explains Sonia Rivera-Martinez, DOBoard-certified in osteopathic family medicine and a trustee board member of The American Osteopathic Association (AOA). This can cause cold sensations in your feet, legs and hands as well.

Talking about your chronic cold feet with your doctor may help you to identify a bigger problem.

3) You might have Reynaud’s syndrome.

Reynaud’s syndrome Your fingers and toes may experience spasms due to small blood vessels. This phenomenon decreases circulation and causes pain and discoloration of your digits — the tips of your fingers and toes might go from white to red to blue. It’s also painful, and can bring on tingling or numbness, Tulpule says. Reynaud’s is usually triggered by exposure to the cold as well. Depending on how severe it is, Reynaud’s can be managed by simply avoiding the cold, wearing extra-warm clothing, or taking medication, but there’s no cure for the condition, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

4) You might have nerve problems.

According to the Peripheral Neuropathy Study, it is a condition in which nerves that are not connected to the brain or spinal cord become damaged. Mayo Clinic. This can cause weakness, numbness and pain in your feet and hands. Numbness and tingling can spread to your legs, making you feel cold.

This condition can be caused by injury, an infection like Lyme disease or liver failure, an autoimmune disorder such as Lupus or diabetes, and most often, an injury. According to Rivera-Martinez, “Diabetes damages the nerves and gives you these numb-feet symptoms.”

5) You are suffering from a vitamin B12 shortage.

Long-term planning vitamin B12 deficiency It can cause nerve damage that could lead to tingling and numbness in the feet. “It’s interpreted as a cold sensation,” says Ira Monka, DOA board-certified osteopathic family doctor and president-elect for AOA. More about eating B12-rich foods, like meat, poultry, shellfish and eggsOr taking a supplement ensures you’re getting enough of the vitamin.

6) You’re anemic.

Iron deficiency Anemia can be caused by a lack of healthy red blood cell to transport oxygen to your organs. Rivera Martinez states that cold hands and feet are common symptoms. Eaten dark-green veggies, fortified breads And cerealsAnemia risk can be reduced by eating red meat, eggs, and other foods like eggs. It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor, who might suggest iron supplements.

7) Your thyroid may be underperforming.

When your thyroid doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone, a condition known as hypothyroidism An underactive thyroid can cause a variety of symptoms including sensitivity to cold. Rivera-Martinez says it slows down your metabolism and affects circulation, which can lead to cold feet.

8) You are responsible for your medication.

Some medications — including those classified as beta-blockers, pseudoephedrine, migraine therapies, drugs used in ADHD treatment and most forms of chemotherapy — might increase your sensitivity to the cold and keep your feet freezing, Monka says. If you’re taking these drugs and can’t seem to warm up your toes, talk to your doctor about troubleshooting your meds.

9) You’re just cold-natured.

If you’ve tried to discuss any of the issues above with your doctor to no avail, rest assured — you may be just born this way. “I certainly get a fair amount of patients that come in and their circulation’s strong, they don’t have any risk factors — they don’t smoke, they eat well, they exercise — and their feet are just cold,” Tulpule says. Layer on the fuzzy socks!

Are cold feet linked to circulation?

Poor circulation — caused by a heart problem, smoking, high blood pressure, Reynaud’s disease or diabetes — is the most common cause of chronic cold feet, Tulpule says. Blood vessels that are blocked or narrowed make it difficult for blood to flow freely. Your feet are cold because blood takes longer to reach your feet.

Poor circulation can also manifest as cold feet. According to officials at The, pay attention to other symptoms such as tingling, numbness and pain in your feet. Cleveland Clinic. “Poor circulation isn’t going to get better without some sort of intervention,” Tulpule says. “It could be because of a poor diet or a smoking history, you could have major blockages that you’re just not aware of.”

What does it mean to have your feet cold all the time?

It can be a real drag to have cold feet all day. You might constantly be searching for the warmest socks you can find or avoid going out when it’s freezing. If your feet just won’t warm up or seem to be feeling colder than Ever, see your doctor.

“Since there are many causes of cold extremities with poor circulation, the sooner you see your primary care physician, the sooner you’ll get answers,” Monka says.

Other foot- or leg-related symptoms such as cold feet should be taken into consideration.

Get started with your primary care physician, and they’ll refer you to a vascular doctor, cardiologist or another specialist, Tulpule says. It is possible to treat the root cause of cold feet, which can help alleviate the symptoms.

How can you treat cold feet?

Although medical attention is the best way to treat cold feet permanently, doctors recommend some temporary ways to heat your toes.

1. You should wear socks that are warm. Warm, fuzzy socks Although they may seem obvious, they are effective. Simply choose socks made from woolAvoid cotton varieties and choose nylon, polyester or nylon. “Cotton actually holds onto moisture, like sweat,” Tulpule says. “If it’s a cold, slushy day outside, and that happens to penetrate your socks, you’re introducing cold to your feet.”

2. Use foot warmers: Heating products, such as HotHands Insole Foot WarmersYou can also add heat to your extremities. You can also place a heating pad Over your feet. But, if you don’t have full sensation in your feet, Tulpule urges caution with warmers: You might risk burning yourself.

3. Get moving Walking or moving around can help warm up your feet as well as your whole body. Any movement will do; it doesn’t need to be strenuous, Rivera-Martinez says, “Movement propels circulation.”

4. Relax in a lukewarm foot soak Your feet should be submerged in a tub or basin of lukewarm. Tulpule warns that it is tempting to soak your feet in hot water. However, this can cause cold feet pain. “It should be gradual rewarming.”

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