Cold Feet
Cold feet are a very common complaint; it’s estimated that 6 out of 100 people suffer from this affliction, which has a myriad of causes. And while most people report the feeling of coldness others also suffer a burning sensation, tenderness in the feet, numbness or tingling in the feet, red or blue discoloration of the skin, and even minor cramping in the lower legs.
Poor circulation is one of the main reasons for cold feet. Blood is pumped through the heart and travels throughout the body delivering oxygen to organs and tissues. If there are no circulatory issues then blood flows freely, even through the extremities, such as the feet. Some people, however, have blockages or weak circulation that lead to impaired blood flow and cold hands and feet. Aside from the development of cold feet however, poor circulation may also cause the soles and heels to become dry or cracked, and sensation may be lost in the foot as well. This is a common occurrence in diabetics, who must take special care that gangrene does not set in.
Aside from diabetes external factors such as cooler temperatures, wet feet and exposure are three of the most common precursors for this type of sensation. If care isn’t taken to protect the feet and keep them warm there is a danger that frostbite can set in. This very serious condition occurs when the fluid in the tissues freeze and crystallize, shutting down blood flow and causing severe damage to the appendage. If the feet become damp in cold temperatures or if there is a stinging, burning feeling or signs of redness developing immediate medical attention must be sought in order to prevent serious injury or amputation.
Other common causes of cold feet include peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, peripheral vascular disease, arthritis, hypothyroidism, tarsal tunnel syndrome, nervous system disorders, autoimmune disorders, vasculitis, Raynaud’s syndrome, heart disease, anemia (iron deficiency), and medications that cause the blood vessels to constrict, such as beta blockers, Ergotamine (used for treatment of migraines) and cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine.
It isn’t only medical or physical conditions that can cold feet to occur; various emotional states are often part of the problem as well. Tension, stress, and general emotional disturbances all have an effect on our vascular system and cause the small blood vessels in our feet (and hands) to narrow, which negatively affects circulation. Lack of circulation is also likely responsible when the condition primarily occurs during sleeping hours, when the body is at rest and the circulatory system is functioning at a reduced level.
It’s always best to make sure that cold feet are not occurring because of a serious underlying condition, and there are a few simple things you can do to help your blood circulate freely, such as staying active, making sure that your shoes are not too tight, ensuring that you have enough wiggle room in your boots while wearing thick socks in cold temperatures, and monitoring for frostbite during outdoor activities in adverse weather.
Having a good diet with sufficient minerals and vitamins, avoiding stress and emotional upset, and investing in good wool socks will also go a long way to warming up cold feet and keeping them more comfortable.
Poor circulation is one of the main reasons for cold feet. Blood is pumped through the heart and travels throughout the body delivering oxygen to organs and tissues. If there are no circulatory issues then blood flows freely, even through the extremities, such as the feet. Some people, however, have blockages or weak circulation that lead to impaired blood flow and cold hands and feet. Aside from the development of cold feet however, poor circulation may also cause the soles and heels to become dry or cracked, and sensation may be lost in the foot as well. This is a common occurrence in diabetics, who must take special care that gangrene does not set in.
Aside from diabetes external factors such as cooler temperatures, wet feet and exposure are three of the most common precursors for this type of sensation. If care isn’t taken to protect the feet and keep them warm there is a danger that frostbite can set in. This very serious condition occurs when the fluid in the tissues freeze and crystallize, shutting down blood flow and causing severe damage to the appendage. If the feet become damp in cold temperatures or if there is a stinging, burning feeling or signs of redness developing immediate medical attention must be sought in order to prevent serious injury or amputation.
Other common causes of cold feet include peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, peripheral vascular disease, arthritis, hypothyroidism, tarsal tunnel syndrome, nervous system disorders, autoimmune disorders, vasculitis, Raynaud’s syndrome, heart disease, anemia (iron deficiency), and medications that cause the blood vessels to constrict, such as beta blockers, Ergotamine (used for treatment of migraines) and cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine.
It isn’t only medical or physical conditions that can cold feet to occur; various emotional states are often part of the problem as well. Tension, stress, and general emotional disturbances all have an effect on our vascular system and cause the small blood vessels in our feet (and hands) to narrow, which negatively affects circulation. Lack of circulation is also likely responsible when the condition primarily occurs during sleeping hours, when the body is at rest and the circulatory system is functioning at a reduced level.
It’s always best to make sure that cold feet are not occurring because of a serious underlying condition, and there are a few simple things you can do to help your blood circulate freely, such as staying active, making sure that your shoes are not too tight, ensuring that you have enough wiggle room in your boots while wearing thick socks in cold temperatures, and monitoring for frostbite during outdoor activities in adverse weather.
Having a good diet with sufficient minerals and vitamins, avoiding stress and emotional upset, and investing in good wool socks will also go a long way to warming up cold feet and keeping them more comfortable.
Suzy Pickhall, who has been a foot care expert over the past thirty years has written a viable guide on how to combat View Website Here , and a guide on View Best Insoles for Running.