What Makes Feet Cold?

Cold feet can be painful. In most cases, they are not a symptom of a more serious condition. While cold feet can affect individuals of any age, for older people and individuals who smoke, poor circulation can cause cold feet. So whether your feet just feel cold from the temperature or is a symptom of disease, the American Podiatric Medical Association advises that people take special care to protect their feet during the cold weather months, particularly those individuals diagnosed with diabetes or other medical conditions, which can decrease blood circulation.

Process

• The body typically responds to cold temperatures by reducing blood flow to the extremities. People who have health conditions that impair blood circulation or mobility often suffer from chronic cold feet. Individuals at particular risk for the condition include those with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, hypothyroidism, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Raynaud's disease, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. When certain parts of the body such as the hands, feet, fingers and toes become cold, the arteries narrow, decreasing blood circulation to those areas.

Causes

• Another cause can be anxiety. Since anxiety is a form of fear, the body responds with a rush of adrenaline, making the heart work harder by beating faster. As a result, blood flow to the skin decreases as the body prepares for possible injury. Since prehistoric times, the human body has been programmed to kick into a "fight or flight" response when confronted by stress. Nerve damage is another common cause of cold feet. Because the feet are far away from the heart, individuals usually experience the symptom of cold feet even before cold hands. In cases where cold feet are caused by poor circulation in the legs, a person may have had a previous history of heart disease.

Other Symptoms

• A sharp or cramping pain in the calves when walking often accompanies cold feet. If cold feet are a symptom of poor blood circulation to the legs, toenails may thicken, and a person may have no body hair below the knee. In cases of peripheral neuropathy or other nerve damage, a person may also experience a burning or tingling sensation in the feet. The feet can either ache or feel numb. Some people with cold feet can be extremely sensitive to even the lightest touch. Individuals who suffer chronic cold feet often experience symptoms that get worse at night, disrupting their sleep. Feet that are cold from temperature may look blue. Decreased blood flow means less oxygen for blood cells, causing the darker color.

Testing for Poor Circulation

• You can check whether you have poor circulation in your legs by pressing your toes until they turn white. If your circulation is normal, your toes should return to their normal color within a few seconds. Next, lightly press your fingers to the front of your ankle in the area about two inches above from where your ankle meets your foot. Move your fingers slightly to the side until you can feel your foot pulse. This is another way to check whether you have adequate blood flow to your feet. Contact your physician if you cannot feel the pulse in your foot or have any other reason for concern.

Complications

• Feet that are constantly cold are more prone to dry skin, which puts them at higher risk for infections affecting the feet. Abscesses and cellulitis can occur. An infection may begin as a simple cut or scratch in the skin of the foot that allows bacteria to enter, in which case an oral antibiotic may be prescribed. In more serious cases, gangrene can result if blocked arteries cut off the blood supply to the feet. The feet become very cold and dark in color as the tissue decays and dies. If not treated in time, amputation of the affected area may be required. Gangrene is a potential complication of diabetes, Raynaud's disease and atherosclerosis, more commonly known as hardening of the arteries. Each of these conditions can cause cold feet.

Treatment

• Medications are often prescribed to treat an underlying medical condition. Wearing warm clothing is a way to trap body heat. Some people with chronic cold feet wear socks to bed in colder weather. Individuals with certain health conditions need to keep their feet not only warm but dry as well. Making lifestyle changes is often required to improve the symptom. Learning to control stress is often an important preventive measure. Diabetics must manage both blood glucose and cholesterol levels. In addition to good nutrition, exercise can strengthen muscles, thereby improving tone and mobility. Exercise is also a great stress reliever. Smokers should quit smoking, as smoking constricts the blood vessels. In certain cases, surgical procedures may be required to open blocked arteries.