To have cold
feet can mean a lot of things: metaphorically, “reconsidering a decision,
thinking about backing out,” perhaps pertaining to a new job or getting married
(think Julia Roberts circa Runaway Bride.) But for many people, having cold feet is much
more than a figure of speech. The causes
of the metaphorical pathology of cold feet are almost as varied as the
physiological causes of cold feet so here’s a small insight into what may be
making your feet so frosty.
First
of all, cold feet are very common across all age groups and races. It is quite possible to simply have cold
sensations with no true underlying cause.
However, women in particular are more likely to experience icy
extremities, as they tend to keep a naturally higher body core temperature,
even at risk of lowering the temperature in their limbs. As expected, cold feet
are much more common in the winter months—as the temperature outside gets
cooler, so does the temperature of your feet.
Cold weather causes blood vessels in the lower extremities to constrict
such that blood is routed to the core to essential internal organs.
One
medically significant potential contributing factor to cold feet is smoking. Smoking causes blood vessels to constrict
resulting in less blood making its way down to your feet. In addition, certain medications such as
beta-blockers, used to treat high blood pressure, can cause decreased blood
flow to your legs and subsequently result in cold feet.
A
major reason for cold feet can be poor blood circulation. Cold feet are one of the first signs of
insufficient blood supply to the lower extremities. If decreased blood flow persists: ulcers,
pain at night while resting, and even gangrene may occur. Potential causes of inadequate blood flow
include peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD), a
blockage or narrowing of the arteries, Raynauds’s phenomenon (cold sensitivity
which causes a spasm of the blood vessels in the feet), and heart disease. Skin of people with continuous insufficient
blood flow to the legs often appears shiny and thin, and loses hair growth.
Extremities, such as your feet, are particularly susceptible to poor circulation. This often manifests itself as frozen feeling
feet. If your cold feet are paired with
any of these symptoms, you might want to consider consulting your podiatrist or
health care practitioner.
Another
major cause of cold feet is neuropathy, which is commonly related to Diabetes
type 1 and 2. Neuropathy causes your
feet to be unable to accurately interpret sensation and temperatures due to
nerve damage. In effect, this can cause your feet to feel cold all the
time. If neuropathy is the cause of your
cold feet then sometimes nutritional supplements or medications may help.
There
are a few things that may help with cold foot problems. First of all, in order to keep your feet warm
throughout the day, make sure you wear proper footwear and socks, eat properly,
and exercise regularly to help increase blood flow to your lower limb. Avoid coffee—it constricts blood vessels to
the feet and legs (less blood means less warmth getting where it needs to
go). If need be, use a topical cream
with a warming agent in it, such as capsaicin.
While
your cold feet may just mean the obvious—you need to put on a pair of socks—it
could also indicate something more. Pay
attention to your feet and what your body is telling you. A cold foot means a
cold you and as the winter approaches, staying and feeling warm is essential.
