Why do feet get cold? Causes and treatment of cold feet
If your feet feel cold not only in winter but also in summer, there is a big problem in the middle. Cold feet, which can occur due to environmental factors, are often caused by blood flow problems. In this content, we have explained in detail why feet are cold, its symptoms, causes and treatment process.
What are Cold Feet?
Cold feet are an uncomfortable condition that many people experience. It is manifested by symptoms such as cold feet, numbness, tingling or loss of sensation. Cold feet usually develop in cold weather or with prolonged standing. However, some people may feel that their feet are constantly cold for no apparent reason.
There are several possible causes of cold feet. One of the most common causes is circulation problems. If the blood vessels constrict and not enough blood reaches the feet, the feet may feel cold. This condition is called arterial insufficiency or peripheral arterial disease. Certain health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease can also cause circulatory problems and cold feet.
Another common cause is nerve damage. Nerves control the sensation of heat by sending signals to the feet. With nerve damage, the nerves may not work properly, causing cold feet. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition in which nerves are damaged and can lead to cold feet. In addition, problems with the spine, such as a herniated disc or nerve entrapment, can also cause cold feet.
Symptoms of cold feet
Cold feet is a common complaint that many people suffer from. Cold feet and uncomfortable symptoms are the main symptoms of cold feet. Cold feet can come in varying degrees of intensity and can sometimes be accompanied by other symptoms. Here are the most common symptoms of cold feet:
being cold
Constantly feeling cold feet is the most common symptom of cold feet. In cold weather or when you are in a cool environment, you may feel that your feet are colder than usual.
Numbness and tingling
Numbness or tingling in the feet may be associated with cold feet. These sensations usually radiate from the toes and are temporarily relieved by moving the feet.
loss of feeling
With cold feet, loss of feeling can also be seen in the feet. Feet that feel numb or experience loss of sensation may be caused by a nerve disorder.
color change
Cold feet can cause changes in the color of the feet. Feet may turn a pale or purplish color. This can occur due to circulatory problems.
pain or discomfort
Cold feet can sometimes be accompanied by pain or discomfort. Sensations such as burning, tingling or stinging may occur in the feet. This feeling of discomfort can be caused by nerve damage.
balance problems
Some people can have balance problems due to cold feet. Loss of sensation or numbness in the feet can cause problems with walking or balance control.
Causes of cold feet
The main cause of cold feet can be a circulatory disorder, but it can also be caused by anemia, thyroid disease, B12 deficiency, stress, diabetes and high blood pressure. If you have a problem with cold feet, it is most likely due to the reasons we have listed.
1. Circulatory Disorder
One of the main causes of cold hands and feet is a circulatory disorder. Chills occur due to insufficient blood being transported to the hands and feet. To maintain and balance the body heat balance, the blood pumps and passes it to the organs that are important in the first place. The distance from the hands and feet to these organs slows down blood transport.
One of the factors that negatively affect blood circulation is inactivity. You should take breaks during the day and take short walks to avoid circulatory disorders, a problem common to many desk workers.
An ignored and untreated circulatory disorder can cause various diseases. Blood clotting, heart disease and various vascular diseases can be counted at the beginning of the diseases caused by circulatory disorder.
2. Anemia (anemia)
One of the main causes of a cold is anemia. Insufficient blood makes the body feel cold, even though it cannot take care of the heat balance. Anemia, which is more common in women, can also cause many diseases.
Anemia, which directly affects thyroid hormone, affects thyroid hormone production by causing iron deficiency. Accordingly, metabolism, which is adversely affected, also affects body temperature.
3. Thyroid disease
An insufficient functioning of the thyroid gland plays a major role in cold hands and feet. Iron deficiency due to anemia affects the production of thyroid hormones and indirectly negatively affects body temperature.
Underproduction of thyroid hormone causes the metabolism to slow down and body temperature to be unable to balance. You can increase the insufficient thyroid production, which is called hypothyroidism, to the required level with the treatment method determined as a result of the examinations to be carried out under the supervision of the doctor.
4. B12 deficiency
One of the main causes of the common cold is vitamin B12 deficiency. Due to insufficient production of red blood cells due to B12 deficiency, a type of anemia called “pernicious anemia” occurs. B12 deficiency, which causes problems such as anemia, weakness, loss of balance, numbness, dizziness, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, can occur due to vitamin deficiency, unhealthy diet and diseases of the digestive system.
5. Stress
Stress, one of the main factors that causes many diseases and problems, negatively affects the body balance and brings many problems. The negative effect of the respiratory balance due to stress causes long and deep breathing.
Taking long, deep breaths negatively affects the circulation of red blood cells in the body and causes cold hands and feet. It can be said that people experiencing sadness and stress suddenly experience a shiver and chills.
6. Diabetes and high blood pressure
Diabetes and high blood pressure, diseases that directly affect cardiovascular health, cause damage to blood vessels. Due to damage to blood vessels, blood circulation is adversely affected, causing chills in the hands and feet.
Diagnosis and treatment of cold feet
Cold feet can be uncomfortable and could be a symptom of an underlying health problem. Diagnosing and treating cold feet involves identifying the cause of the symptoms and choosing appropriate treatment modalities. Here’s what you need to know about diagnosing and treating cold feet:
Treatment of the underlying cause
Treating cold feet requires addressing the underlying problem. For example, cold feet caused by circulatory problems can be treated with medication or surgery to improve circulation. In the case of cold feet due to nerve damage, such as diabetic neuropathy, medications can be used to control diabetes and support nerve healing.
relief of symptoms
Some measures can be taken to relieve the symptoms. Relief can be achieved through methods such as washing the feet with warm water, resting in warm environments, wearing quality socks and choosing appropriate shoes.
Medicines
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to control symptoms. For example, drugs that increase circulation or drugs that relieve nerve pain may be used.
Physiotherapy
Physical therapy can be used to relieve cold feet and improve circulation. A physical therapy program may include various techniques, such as exercise, massage therapy, or electrical stimulation.
lifestyle changes
In some cases, lifestyle changes can improve cold feet. Steps such as avoiding smoking, managing stress, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy diet can improve circulation and overall health.
Cold feet are a symptom of what disease?
Cold feet are usually caused by cardiovascular disease. Anemia and circulatory problems, the most common diseases, is the condition where the blood in the body cannot reach the feet. That’s why our feet get cold.
Why do our feet always get cold?
When blood circulation is poor, our feet get cold. Insufficient blood circulation slows down enough warm blood to reach our feet. This is the main reason why our feet get colder than the rest of our body.
What to do with cold feet?
There are many natural methods to stop cold feet. The most famous of these methods is the consumption of ginger. If you regularly consume ginger, you can get rid of cold feet. In addition, consuming fish and hot pepper twice a week accelerates blood circulation and solves the problem of colds.
Which doctor should I go to for cold feet?
For cold feet you have to go to the doctors of the Department of Internal Medicine / Internal Diseases. A specialist doctor will diagnose and treat cold feet in a short time.
Why do feet get cold in summer?
Poor blood circulation is the main cause of cold feet. So if your feet are cold even on summer days, you probably have a circulatory problem. You should start the treatment process by consulting a specialist doctor as soon as possible.
Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Cold Feet?
With a deficiency of vitamins B12 and D, chills occur. If you stay inside for a long time and don’t see the sun, you can’t get enough vitamin D. This also causes chills. In addition, if you do not consume animal foods, a B12 deficiency is one of the causes of cold feet.