Do you have cold feet, but in the literal sense? If it's winter, you may have to deal with icy feet and need slippers over your socks to keep them warm. Or maybe you suffer from them year-round, and cold weather only intensifies the cold.
There are a number of things that can cause them: sometimes the case is benign (it's just your own body's physiology), while other times there may be underlying medical reasons that you'd need to get checked out.
Why do you always have cold feet?
You are more sensitive to cold weather
Yes, this sounds entirely like an over-the-top answer, but there's a pretty clear reason for this: cold feet can occur in winter when the body slows blood flow to the area. This is more common in the colder months when the body tries to keep the rest of itself warm while slowing heat loss through the feet.
Wearing extra thick socks can help you fight frostbite in this case.
You have a nutrient deficiency
Iron and vitamin B12 are two nutrients necessary for proper blood circulation. The iron is a component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen to the body, while the B12 It is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. A deficit in either one can contribute to cold feet. You may also notice numbness and tingling in your feet if you are lacking in B12.
People most at risk of running out of iron are pregnant women or women experiencing heavy periods, as well as those with gastrointestinal conditions such as celiac disease or ulcerative colitis. B12 deficiency is more likely in people with digestive diseases or vegetarians, pregnant or lactating.
You could have a circulatory disease
If there isn't enough blood flow to your feet, you may always feel cold. Some diseases that can cause poor circulation include diabetes, obesity and Raynaud's, a condition that causes spasms in the blood vessels.
A sign that there is a problem with circulation: your skin may change color. For example, in Raynaud's, the fingers and toes may turn white or blue in response to this lack of blood flow. Treatment with medications such as calcium channel blockers to keep your blood vessels open may be recommended if you are diagnosed with Raynaud's.
You could have nerve damage
Poor blood sugar control can lead to nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy. You may also experience numbness and tingling. This is because these damaged nerves stop sending messages to certain parts of your body.
Diabetes statistics show that about half of people with the condition also have nerve damage. If you have diabetes, you'll want to work with your doctor to control your blood sugar.
You may have thyroid disease
One of the hallmark symptoms of an underactive thyroid (called Hypothyroidism) is cold intolerance, something that can make you feel as if your feet are perpetually cold. You may even feel frigid as a result of your body generally slowing down. Other symptoms include dry skin, forgetfulness, depression, and constipation. If your doctor suspects that a thyroid condition is causing your cold feet, you may order blood tests to check your thyroid function.
You are taking a beta blocker
Beta blockers are prescribed in certain circumstances to treat high blood pressure. These medicines work by slowing down the heart. When this happens, it can affect circulation in the body, especially in the extremities such as the hands and feet.
Cold hands and feet, fatigue, and weight gain are common side effects of beta-blockers. If these symptoms are bothersome, continue to take your medication as prescribed and talk to your doctor about other medication options or the best way to deal with this side effect.
You are under stress or feel anxious
A couple of things happen when you're stressed or dealing with anxiety: The fight-or-flight response directs blood flow from your hands and feet to your vital organs (to help you flee, if necessary). You may also start to sweat, and this naturally cools your body. Although this is not dangerous, it is important to understand how your body reacts to stress and to consider whether you need to develop stress management strategies that work best for you.
Do you smoke
Smoking can make you prone to cold feet. This habit constricts blood vessels, which can make your toes (and fingers) generally cold.
It is also linked to the development of a condition called buerger, which is where clots form in the blood vessels that restrict blood flow to certain areas. Tobacco irritates blood vessels and sets the stage for this inflammatory cascade. The hands and feet may feel cold, have a burning sensation, tingle, or pain. The only way to prevent or stop Buerger's problems, such as tissue damage and pain, is to stop smoking.
How to warm cold feet?
Slippers are always a good idea, but there are things you can do beyond that to warm up your toes.
First, stay active. You can try moving your feet and legs back and forth to help recirculate blood in your extremities. You can also stimulate circulation by massaging your feet or by squeezing and unclenching your toes.
If these little tips don't help or the color of your feet or toes changes, go see a doctor.