If your feet are always cold (even when it’s not cold outside), the struggle is real when it comes to finding ways to warm them up. From warm foot soaks to fuzzy socks and cozy footwear, you can usually get some temporary relief from the chill. But if you find your feet are always freezing, you’re probably wondering why. “Cold feet are very common, not just in winter months. I see it a lot in my practice,” says Dr. Patrick McEneaney, DPM, podiatrist and owner of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists. And unfortunately, cold feet are much more common in women. “Women have more evenly distributed fat than men. Typically it is important to protect the central organ system, as women can bear children. Therefore, blood will generally be shunted to the core organs to make sure they function properly,“Dr. Mark J. Mendeszoon, DPM, FACFAS, and podiatrist at Precision Orthopedic Specialties in Ohio. “Women also go through hormonal changes, which can affect the blood flow. Women also have less muscle mass than men, which decreases heat production. Finally, women have thinner skin, and can lose body heat more easily as well.” But there are other causes of cold feet, too. “Cold feet are generally related to either circulation problems or nerve problems,” says Dr. Mendeszoon. We asked to podiatrists to answer all your questions about why your feet are always cold. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why are my feet always cold?
If your feet are always cold, there could be a handful of reasons for this. Here are a few.
Peripheral artery disease (poor circulation)
“Very often, patients who have cold feet have what’s called peripheral artery disease, or PAD, a condition where the blood vessels (the arteries that take the blood down to your feet) can be narrowed due to plaque,” says Dr. McEneaney. “What happens then is that a normal amount of blood cannot get down to the toes, which can make them feel cold.”
Anemia or hypothyroidism
If you are anemic (lack of red blood cells) or have hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), these could cause your feet to be cold because they reduce circulation, says Dr. Alex Kor, DPM, MS, podiatrist at Witham Health Services and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Raynaud’s disease
“This is a condition in which the nerves that supply the small vessels in the toes can affect the ability of the vessels to open up (dilate) which increases blood flow, or affect the ability of the blood vessels to close down (constrict),” says Dr. Mendsezoon. “Due to the fact that the body’s main organs have more of a priority for functioning, the blood will be shunted to the core to supply these organs and thus reduce the circulation to the digits.” He adds that at times the toes can turn different colors: red, white or blue.
Smoking
If you are a smoker, you may notice that your feet are always cold. “Smoking, or even from secondhand smoke, can lead to more vascular issues,” says Dr. McEneaney. That’s because tobacco constricts your blood vessels, limiting blood flow.
Diabetes
Diabetes can also be correlated with cold feet. “In diabetes, there is a higher propensity for vascular damage, especially with the small vessels in the hands and feet,” says Dr. McEneaney.
Arthritis
Dr. McEneaney adds that cold feet can also be seen with some rheumatological disorders, like arthritis, since it can affect nerves and blood vessels in your feet.
How are cold feet treated?
If you struggle with cold feet, the first step is to make sure you are treating any underlying factors. “If it’s diabetes, it’s important to control your blood sugar, if it’s a rheumatological phenomenon, staying out of cold weather for prolonged periods of time is important, especially with those vasospastic disorders,” says Dr. McEneaney. This includes implementing lifestyle changes. “Trying to improve one’s diet by reducing fatty intake and working on keeping cholesterol levels within normal limits can help blood flow to the digits,” says Dr. Mendeszoon. “Avoiding caffeine and smoking is very helpful. Is important as well as staying hydrated. Dehydration can cause temperature changes and diminished blood flow.” It may sound simple, but the first step to getting rid of cold feet is to wear socks and shoes to protect your feet from the elements and trap warmth. “Wool socks can also provide more warmth than others,” says Dr. McEneaney. He adds that you can also try heated socks, but not everyone is a good candidate. “I do warn people who don’t have good sensation in their feet, particularly diabetics, not to do this, as it can actually cause burns if they get too hot or if they’re worn for a prolonged period of time,” he adds. Medication and medical assistance may also help. “If the condition is really bad, seeking medical attention to evaluate circulation in your lower extremity’s. possible medication (beta blockers), and possible surgical intervention could be a possibility,” says Dr. Mendeszoon. While cold feet may not necessarily be life threatening, they could signal a serious health issue. “Typically, as a podiatrist, I get more concerned when I have a patient that has one foot that is cold and the other foot that has a normal temperature,” says Dr. Kor. “If the patient relates that ’this has been gradually occurring over the last two to three months’, sometimes, this can be a medical emergency (i.e. limb-threatening ischemia).” If you’re dealing with severe or persistent issues related to cold feet, make sure to contact your doctor to rule out anything serious and come up with a treatment plan. Next up: Podiatrists Explain Exactly Why Your Feet Hurt
Sources
Dr. Patrick McEneaney, DPM, podiatrist and owner of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists.Dr. Mark J. Mendeszoon, DPM, FACFAS, and podiatrist at Precision Orthopedic Specialties in Ohio.Dr. Alex Kor, DPM, MS, podiatrist at Witham Health Services and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association
