Possible causes of cold feet include cold temperatures, stress, circulation issues, nerve disorders, and more.
An underlying condition may need treatment, but home remedies — such as using a heating pad or wearing slippers — can also help.
There can be a variety of reasons for cold feet, from winter temperatures to circulation and nerve disorders. Causes of cold feet include:
Cold feet are one of the body’s reactions to colder temperatures. When the body enters a colder area, blood vessels in the extremities, such as the hands and feet, will constrict. This reduces the blood flow to these areas, which also reduces the amount of heat the body loses.
The extremities are the parts of the body furthest from the vital organs, so reducing blood flow to the extremities also helps keep warmth and blood flow in the more important body parts.
Over time, this reduced blood flow can cause decreased oxygen in the tissues, which may cause them to take on discoloration. When temporary, these symptoms are not usually serious, and the body will return to its usual state as it warms up again.
Some people have Raynaud’s phenomenon, where exposure to cold temperatures or high stress causes them to experience limited blood circulation, resulting in cold or numb fingers and toes.
Being in a state of high stress or anxiety
As it circulates, adrenaline causes the blood vessels at the periphery to constrict, which decreases the flow of blood to the outermost areas of the body. This response reserves energy and prepares for any bodily harm that may happen as a result of the high-stress situation.
The modern world is full of stressors, but not many of them put the body at immediate risk, so this protective response may be more harmful than helpful if it is making the feet or hands cold regularly. Reducing stress and tension may help reduce symptoms in these cases.
Circulation issues are a very common cause of cold feet. People with circulation issues may find it difficult to get enough warm blood to their extremities and may frequently complain of cold hands and feet.
Circulation issues can have a variety of causes. Living a sedentary lifestyle or sitting at a desk all day may reduce circulation to the legs and cause cold feet.
Smoking tobacco products
High cholesterol can lead to plaques forming inside the arteries that can reduce circulation to the legs and feet, leading to cold feet.
Some heart conditions can also cause cold feet, so people should speak to their doctors about any existing heart problems or risk factors.
Anemia is a condition that occurs when a person has too few red blood cells in their body. It can result from many factors, including a deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, folate, or chronic kidney disease.
Moderate to severe cases of anemia may cause cold feet. Anemia usually responds well to changes in diet and supplements.
It is best to have anemia diagnosed by a doctor and to follow their treatment recommendations.
People with diabetes may be at risk of circulation problems, such as cold feet or hands.
Frequent high blood sugar levels can lead to narrowing of the arteries and a reduced blood supply to the tissues, which may cause cold feet.
In some people, diabetes can lead to diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a form of nerve damage. Diabetic nerve damage typically happens in people who have an uncontrolled, high blood sugar level for long periods of time.
Other symptoms of diabetic nerve damage include tingling or prickling sensations, numbness, or burning pain in the feet and legs. Symptoms may be worse at night.
Other nerve disorders
Peripheral neuropathy may stem from liver or kidney disease, infection, or genetics. It usually causes additional symptoms, including numbness and tingling. Treating symptoms, such as cold feet, can help a person reduce their discomfort while waiting for a proper diagnosis.
Hypothyroidism stems from an underactive thyroid gland, which produces a low level of thyroid hormone, which negatively impacts the body’s metabolism.
The body’s metabolism affects circulation, heartbeat, and body temperature, so anything that impacts thyroid function and causes hypothyroidism can lead to cold feet or a person feeling cold.
People with hypothyroidism may be more sensitive to cold in general and may experience other symptoms, such as fatigue, weight gain, and memory problems.
Working directly with a doctor to diagnose any underlying cause of cold feet is the best way to prevent the symptom, as much as possible.
However, many home remedies can help warm the feet and keep a person comfortable.
Movement
As simple as it seems, getting up and moving may be one of the easiest ways to warm the body and help blood flow to and from the feet.
People who experience cold feet may benefit from getting up periodically and walking around, if possible.
Getting blood circulating using cardio activities, such as jogging or even jumping jacks, may be enough to keep feet warm throughout the day.
Socks and slippers
Warm, well-insulated socks are important for people with cold feet. While indoors, well-insulated slippers may also help, especially if a person does not have carpeted or heated floors.
Keeping the feet bundled up is a great way to help them stay warm and prevent any additional heat loss.
Foot baths
One of the quickest ways to relieve cold feet is to soak them in a warm footbath.
Filling a bathtub or basin with warm water and soaking the feet for 10 to 15 minutes may be enough to keep fresh blood circulating to the feet throughout the day. This may be especially helpful just before bed, as it can also relieve tension and relax the muscles.
People with diabetic nerve damage should avoid using hot water to warm their feet, as they may not be able to tell if the water is too hot or not. This can lead to accidental burns.
Heating pads or hot water bottles
For people who have trouble sleeping due to cold feet, placing a heating pad or hot water bottle at the foot of the bed can keep the area surrounding the feet warm at bedtime.
Heating pads may also be helpful to soothe sore muscles after a long day of standing.
Although having occasional cold feet is typical, there are some instances when a visit to the doctor may be necessary. Anyone who experiences cold feet frequently or for no obvious reason should speak to their doctor about possible causes.
A person should also speak to a doctor if cold feet comes with other symptoms, including:
- fatigue
- weight loss or gain
- fever
- significant joint pain
- sores on the fingers or toes that take a long time to heal
- skin changes, such as rashes, scales, or thick skin
If the feet feel cold internally, but the skin does not feel cold to the touch, a person should see a doctor, as this may be a sign of nerve damage or other neurological conditions.
Getting cold feet from time to time may happen. Persistent symptoms may be something to discuss with a doctor, but treating the underlying cause should help the feet return to a better temperature.
In the meantime, taking immediate steps, such as wearing thick socks or using a hot footbath, can help warm the feet up quickly.
A person can stop their feet from being cold by wearing warm socks or slippers, using a warm foot bath, moving around and doing exercise, or using a heating pad.
A person can fix cold circulation in their feet by doing movements and exercising to improve circulation.
Reversing poor circulation in feet may involve:
- staying active
- wearing warm socks or slippers that help improve circulation
- managing stress
- eating a healthful diet
Cold feet may stem from a variety of reasons, including issues with circulation, nerve disorders, or underlying conditions such as anemia or diabetes.
Home remedies such as staying active and wearing warm socks and slippers may help, but if the issue persists, a person should contact a doctor to determine the cause.