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What to Do About Cold Feet: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help

As temperatures drop, many people experience the discomfort of cold feet. While chilly toes may seem like a normal winter annoyance, persistent cold feet could signal an underlying issue that requires attention. 

Common Causes of Cold Feet

Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that affects blood flow to the extremities, usually triggered by cold temperatures or stress. During an episode, the blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict, leading to numbness, tingling, and discoloration. Affected areas may turn white or blue before returning to normal once blood flow is restored.
Treatment:

  • Lifestyle adjustments: Keep your feet warm by wearing insulated socks and avoiding sudden temperature changes.  Don’t run your feet in hot water after being outside. Make sure to gradually rewarm your feet to avoid an event.

  • Medication: In severe cases, vasodilators may be prescribed to improve blood flow.  Care must be taken to avoid low blood pressure with these medications.

  • Stress management: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing or yoga can reduce episodes triggered by stress.

Chilblains (Pernio)
Chilblains occur when skin is exposed to cold, damp conditions and then warmed too quickly. This causes small blood vessels under the skin to leak, leading to painful, red, swollen patches. They most often affect the toes and can cause itching or burning sensations. Chilblains tend to worsen during the late fall and early spring when fluctuating temperatures and damp conditions are more common.

Treatment:

  • Preventive care: Gradually warm your feet after exposure to the cold and avoid tight shoes that restrict circulation.

  • Medication: L-arginine supplements or topical creams containing L-arginine can improve blood flow to the affected areas and promote healing. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting new supplements.

  • Medical attention: If chilblains are recurrent or become infected, see a podiatrist for advanced care.  Most often symptoms disappear in the summer and winter when the dampness resolves.

Other Possible Reasons for Cold Feet

  • Poor circulation: Smoking can lead to poor circulation to the small arteries in your toes making them feel cold. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to peripheral artery disease, similar to heart disease causing interruption of blood flow to the feet.

  • Nerve damage: Issues like peripheral neuropathy can impair temperature regulation. Feet can feel cold despite actually being warm.

  • Thyroid disorders: Hypothyroidism slows metabolism, reducing blood flow to extremities.  Properly managing hypothyroidism with medication may improve cold feet symptoms.

Tips to Keep Your Feet Warm and Healthy

  1. Choose the Right Footwear
    Invest in insulated, waterproof boots that provide both warmth and support. Look for materials like wool or fleece for added insulation.  Avoid tight shoes that can contrict blood flow to the toes.

  2. Wear Moisture-Wicking Socks
    Wet feet can quickly become cold feet. Look for socks with moisture wicking materials. Socks made from materials like merino wool help keep moisture away from the skin while providing warmth.

  3. Stay Active
    Regular exercise improves circulation, keeping blood flowing to your feet. Simple foot exercises like toe wiggling or ankle rolls can also boost blood flow.

  4. Use Heating Devices Safely
    Heating pads or foot warmers can provide relief, but always use them with caution to avoid burns, especially if you have reduced sensation in your feet.

  5. See a Specialist
    Persistent cold feet might indicate an underlying medical condition. A podiatrist can assess your symptoms, diagnose the cause, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

When to See a Doctor

  • If your feet are frequently cold regardless of the weather.

  • If you notice discoloration, pain, or sores that don’t heal especially on your toes. 

  • If you have a pre-existing condition like diabetes, neuropathy or Raynaud’s and experience unusual symptoms in your feet.

Cold feet aren’t just an inconvenience—they could be your body’s way of signaling a deeper issue. By understanding the causes and taking preventive steps, you can enjoy warm, healthy feet all winter long. If you’re experiencing persistent cold feet, schedule an appointment with us to get to the root of the problem and find lasting relief.

Take action today for healthier, warmer feet! Contact our office to schedule your consultation.