If you’ve noticed you frequently have cold feet and toes, it is important to look into it. Cold feet and toes can be a symptom of a bigger problem, such as vascular issues or diabetes. Our podiatrist in Fairfax, VA, provides some information below.
The Problem of Cold Feet
Most people experience cold feet and toes at some point in their lives. However, if this is a recurring problem for you, it may be connected to another condition. If you notice other symptoms along with your cold feet, such as numbness, tingling, or pins and needles, your problem may be connected to neuropathy. If you are at risk for heart or vascular conditions, cold feet and toes may be connected to that. In any case, it is important to be examined by a doctor to determine the cause.
What Are the Causes?
Some of the most common causes of cold feet include:
- Poor circulation, which prevents warm blood from getting to your feet and toes. Sedentary lifestyles, heart conditions, and smoking can all cause poor circulation.
- Diabetes, which makes feet cold to the touch, as well as feel cold due to nerve damage
- Anemia, which causes a shortage of red blood cells
- Hypothyroidism, which can cause problems with metabolism and contribute to poor circulation
Other less common causes include Raynaud’s disease and peripheral artery disease.
Treatment Options
Depending on the cause of your cold feet, there are multiple treatment options. For all sufferers, exercise is extremely beneficial to get your blood flowing. You can also do warm foot baths, wear socks, and use heated shoe inserts.
If you suffer from iron-deficiency anemia, cold feet can often be remedied with a treatment plan from your doctor to increase the iron in your body. Treatments for heart conditions and diabetes can also be managed by your doctor.
If you have any other symptoms, such as sores on your feet that don’t heal, joint pain, or rash, you should contact our podiatrist and make an appointment immediately. These can be dangerous for patients with diabetes.
Contact Our Podiatrist in Fairfax, VA, Today To Find Out More!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with convenient podiatry offices located in Fairfax, VA, by calling 301.660.8225 or by clicking here.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-feet#causes
