Cold feet are one among the body’s normal to colder temperatures. once the body enters a colder space, blood vessels in the extremities, like the hands and feet, will constrict. This reduces the blood flow to those areas, that also reduces the amount of warmth the body loses.
The extremities are the parts of the body furthest from the important organs, thus reducing blood flow to the extremities conjointly helps keep heat and blood flow in the more vital body components.
Over time this reduced blood flow will cause minimized oxygen in the tissues, which can cause them to require on a bluish color. when temporary, these symptoms aren’t sometimes serious, and therefore the body can come back to normal as it warms up again.
What causes cold feet?
There are many completely different causes of cold feet. Sometimes, the best reason may be a lack of heat. If you’re in jeans and a tee shirt and your feet are blank, it makes sense that they will get cold first. However, there are other causes as well.
Hypothyroidism
This condition happens once the thyroid is underactive and doesn’t manufacture enough thyroid hormone. This interferes with the body’s metabolism. Since metabolism controls each heartbeat and therefore the body’s temperature, an underactive thyroid might contribute to reduced circulation and colder feet.
Anemia
Anemia develops after you have a shortage of red blood cells. this can be another common reason behind cold feet, particularly in severe cases of anemia.Iron-deficiency anemia can occur even in otherwise very healthy individuals. It can be treated comparatively easily with changes in diet and by taking supplements.
Poor circulation
This is one among the foremost common causes of cold feet. Poor circulation will make it difficult for enough heat blood to get to your feet often, keeping them cooler than the rest of your body.
Circulation issues can come as a results of a heart disease, wherever the heart struggles to pump blood through the body at a fast enough pace. Poor circulation are often the results of sitting too much from a sedentary life-style. If you sit at a table all day for work, you’ll experience this. Smoking can even cause poor circulation.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Diabetes can cause not only feet that are cold to the touch, however additionally feet that feel cold due to nerve damage. different symptoms could include numbness or tingling within the feet. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of nerve harm in the feet, see your doctor, and take further care to see them for cuts or injuries.
How to Prevent Cold Feet
The best way to avoid cold injuries is to wear adequate clothing once venturing outdoors in the cold.
- Especially in windy conditions, shield the face, hands, and feet.
- Using hand-warmer packs, like those utilized by skiers, are often helpful when out in colder weather for prolonged periods.
- Avoid tight clothing.
- Do not wear additional pairs of socks if they make shoes or boots match too tightly.
- Keep hands and feet dry.
- If possible, look for shelter during extreme cold.
- Physical activity with adequate food intake can help keep your hands and feet warm.
- Do not smoke, because smokingdecreases the circulation to hands and feet.
