Table of contents:
- What are the causes of cold feet?
- Poor circulation
- Anemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
- Stress and anxiety
- How to deal with cold feet
- 1. Move your feet
- 2. Wear socks and sandals
- 3. Soak feet in warm water
- 4. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle
- When to go to the doctor?
Have you ever felt cold in your feet, even though the surrounding temperature is hot? Cold feet are generally normal. Some causes are temporary, while others indicate serious health conditions. Check out a complete review of the causes of cold feet and how to deal with them.
What are the causes of cold feet?
Cold feet are one of the body's normal reactions to colder temperatures. When the body enters a cooler area, blood vessels in some parts of the body such as the hands and feet will constrict. This condition causes the blood flow to this area to decrease, as a result, the amount of body heat will also be lost.
However, some people actually feel cold in their feet when the air is actually hot. Here are some reasons your feet often feel cold apart from the influence of temperature:
Poor circulation
Poor circulation is one of the most common causes of this symptom. Poor circulation can make it difficult for warm blood to get to the hands and feet, because those parts of the body are farthest from the blood-pumping organ, the heart. As a result, this part will feel cooler than the rest of the body.
The following are some of the causes that can make blood circulation worse.
- An employee who spends time sitting all day and doesn't move much.
- Smokers and other users of tobacco products.
- High cholesterol levels. High cholesterol in the blood will result in the formation of plaque in the arteries which can reduce blood circulation from the heart to the feet and hands.
- Heart problems.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells in a person's body is below normal. Usually anemia is caused by a deficiency of iron, vitamin B12, folate, or because of chronic kidney disease.
If the red blood cells decrease, the red blood cells that are carried throughout the body automatically decrease. The reason is, the feet and hands are in the area farthest from the core organs that pump blood. Then the blood flow to this area is reduced. This condition often occurs in people with moderate to severe cases of anemia.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive and therefore doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. This condition can interfere with the body's metabolism. Normal body metabolism plays a role in controlling heart rate and body temperature.
If you have problems with the metabolic system, blood circulation to the body will automatically be hampered so that your feet become cooler than usual.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are at risk for cold feet problems due to several factors. First, because of high blood sugar levels, the arteries are indirectly narrowed. Narrowed arteries result in obstruction of blood flow. This condition can cause cold feet. Second, people with diabetes usually experience nerve damage in the legs so that the feet feel cold and even numb.
Stress and anxiety
Being stressed and restless can make your feet feel cold. This is one of the body's natural responses to stress as adrenaline is pumped into the bloodstream.
Adrenaline causes blood vessels to constrict and reduces blood flow to the outer areas of the body. Reducing stress and tension can help reduce cold feet and hands.
Other less common causes of cold feet include:
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Raynaud's disease
- Nerve damage
How to deal with cold feet
If the cause of your cold feet is due to certain health conditions, then you need to consult a doctor to get the best treatment. However, there are several home remedies that can be used to treat and alleviate the symptoms, such as:
1. Move your feet
If your feet feel cold from sitting too long, then you can get out of your seat and try to take a short walk. By moving the body, blood flow will return to normal so that the body feels warmer. Try going for a walk whenever you start to feel a sharp chill in your leg. Do it periodically, for example, once an hour.
2. Wear socks and sandals
Using socks that are thick enough and made from warm materials can help warm the feet. Also, you can use slippers indoors if the floor makes your feet colder.
3. Soak feet in warm water
One of the quickest ways to get rid of cold feet is to soak them in a basin filled with warm water. You can soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes to keep blood flowing to your feet. If you do it before bed, you will feel another benefit, namely the leg muscles relax. You will feel much more relaxed and may even make you sleep better.
But keep in mind, people with diabetes need to be accompanied to practice this method. If the nerves in his leg have been damaged, he may not be able to sense whether the water is too hot or too cold. If you do it yourself and it turns out that the water used is too hot, this condition can actually cause burns to the feet.
4. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle
If you have trouble sleeping because your feet are too cold, you can place a heating pad on your feet. Or, an easy way that can be found at home without the need to buy it by placing a plastic bottle filled with hot water at the feet while you sleep. This method will warm your feet while you sleep and help soothe sore muscles after a long day of activities.
When to go to the doctor?
If the cold that occurs starts to be abnormal and is accompanied by the following symptoms, you need to consult a doctor to find out the exact cause:
- Wounds on toes and fingers that don't heal
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Rash or thickening of the skin
Symptoms of cold feet are generally normal and do not need special treatment. However, if it feels quite bothersome and is accompanied by other symptoms, you need to consult a doctor for the best treatment.
