Cold Feet: Why Are My Feet Always Cold?
Why are my feet always cold? If you’ve found yourself asking this question, know that you’re not alone. Cold feet can be a persistent issue for some individuals, causing discomfort and even affecting daily activities. Many people live with their feet always cold and there has even been some research suggesting it may sometimes be an inherited trait. What about other potential underlying causes, however?
Today, we’re discussing why your feet are always cold, the potential causes for this condition, as well as what you may be able to do about it. From potential age-related causes to circulation issues, and more, keep reading to see how you might overcome cold feet and be more comfortable daily.
Why Are My Feet Always Cold?
What causes cold feet? We aren’t talking about being nervous about something, but the actual temperature of your extremities being lower than the rest of your average body temperature. Having cold feet occasionally is normal, especially in colder weather. However, if you find that your feet are always cold regardless of the temperature, it could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be identified. Understanding the reasons behind having your feet always cold will help you find relief and address any potential health issues.
Some of the most common causes of cold feet are:
- Poor blood circulation
- Nerve damage
- Underlying health conditions
- Lifestyle factors
- Medication side effects
1. Poor Blood Circulation
Reduced blood flow to your feet can be the cause of why your feet are always cold. Medical conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) or Raynaud's disease can lead to poor circulation and directly cause cold feet. PAD narrows arteries and restricts blood flow to the extremities, while Raynaud's disease causes blood vessels in your hands and feet to narrow and spasm in response to cold or stress.
Bonus Info: Do you think your cold feet are due to bad blood flow? Learn how to improve poor circulation after you finish this article.
2. Nerve Damage
Damage to the nerves that control blood flow to the feet can also lead to having your feet always cold. Conditions such as diabetic neuropathy — nerve damage caused by diabetes — can result in a lack of sensation and poor circulation in the feet. In turn, this can lead to a constant feeling of cold feet, especially in your toes.
3. Underlying Health Conditions
When asking, “Why are my feet always cold?” the answer may point to other underlying health conditions. For example, hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, slows down your metabolism and leads to cold intolerance which can include cold feet. Other conditions like anemia, characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, may also cause cold feet due to reduced oxygen delivery to your extremities.
4. Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle choices will also contribute to experiencing cold feet.
Smoking, for example, constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to your extremities. This lack of blood circulation may result in having your feet always cold. Those who lead a more sedentary lifestyle may also experience similar poor circulation, contributing to why their feet are always cold.
Having cold feet isn’t limited to habits like smoking or being inactive. Wearing tight or restrictive footwear can impede blood circulation and trap cold air around your feet, exacerbating the problem. As for the most obvious possibility, you may also not be wearing the proper protection when in colder temperatures. Wearing warm socks and shoes during colder weather is imperative to avoid cold feet.
5. Medication Side Effects
Some medications can affect blood flow or nerve function, leading to cold feet as a side effect. For example, beta-blockers — commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart conditions — can cause blood vessels to constrict and restrict blood flow to your hands and feet. Similarly, certain antidepressants and antipsychotic medications can affect nerve function and result in cold feet.
If you suspect that your medication is making your feet always cold, be sure to tell your doctor right away. They may be able to adjust your dosage or prescribe an alternative medication to alleviate this side effect as much as possible.
Blood Circulation Info: We’ve discussed several ways in which poor blood flow may be the source of why your feet are always cold. So, exactly what does blood circulation do and how does it help the body? Check out the link to learn more after this article.
Are Cold Feet a Sign of a Major Health Condition?
If you find yourself asking the question, “Why are my feet always cold?” you may be concerned about its implications for a serious underlying health condition. The good news is that cold feet are not always a sign of a major health condition. In many cases, cold feet are simply a result of poor circulation or exposure to cold temperatures.
However, in some instances, cold feet can be a symptom of a more serious health condition like peripheral artery disease (PAD). Similarly, previously mentioned conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism can also lead to cold feet due to their effects on circulation and nerve function.
It's important to note that while cold feet can sometimes be a sign of a major health condition, it's not always the case. Many people experience cold feet occasionally without any serious underlying cause. If you are concerned about your cold feet or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, it's best to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
How to Fix Cold Feet
What about how to fix cold feet? Dealing with cold feet can be uncomfortable and frustrating, especially when it seems like nothing you do helps warm them up. For people whose feet are always cold, learning methods to find relief is a major victory on the road to improving their overall comfort.
Fortunately, there are several effective strategies you may be able to use to help fix cold feet naturally. They include:
- Healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in nutrients like iron and B vitamins can help improve circulation and help against cold feet. Add foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals to support healthy blood flow to your extremities.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity is key to maintaining good circulation and counteracting why your feet are always cold. Activities that get your heart pumping, such as walking, jogging, or cycling, can help improve circulation in legs and feet to keep them warm. You can also choose from a wide range of low-impact exercises to elevate your heart rate without the added stress on your joints.
- Clothing: Wearing appropriate footwear and socks can make a big difference in alleviating or preventing cold feet. Choose insulated, moisture-wicking socks and well-fitting shoes to help trap heat and prevent cold air from reaching your feet.
- Warm soaks: Soaking your feet in warm water can help improve circulation and temporarily relieve cold feet. Add Epsom salts or essential oils to the water for added relaxation and warmth. You might also consider other heat therapy options like a heated zero gravity chair for improving blood flow throughout your entire body.
- Massage: There are numerous benefits to getting a massage, including treating cold feet. Massaging your feet stimulates blood flow and aids in muscle recovery. Be sure to use a moisturizing lotion or oil to prevent friction and enhance the soothing effects of your massage.
- Zero gravity chairs: You can improve blood circulation in zero gravity chairs by reclining into the zero gravity position. In this position, the legs are elevated above the heart level, improving blood circulation throughout the body. This is one of the primary health benefits of the zero gravity position and the most directly impactful towards how to fix cold feet.
- Compression socks: Compression socks are designed to improve circulation in your feet and legs which may alleviate the experience of having feet always cold. They work by applying gentle pressure to your lower legs pushing blood back up towards your heart.
- Foot exercises: Simple exercises like toe raises, ankle circles, and toe spreads may help against cold feet by improving circulation, as well. Incorporate these exercises into your daily routine to keep your feet healthy and warm.
Having cold feet all the time is more than uncomfortable, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. As always, consult your doctor before beginning any new health routines to determine why your feet are always cold and devise a plan to alleviate your symptoms. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you may be able to alleviate cold feet and improve your overall foot health.
Disclaimer: This content is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare professional when considering implementing changes to your health or workout routines to ensure it’s compatible with your needs.
