Hidden causes of cold feet: 5 pathologies that may be behind that sensation
Circulatory problems are a factor in the sensation of cold feet, in addition to pathologies related to neuropathy, Raynaud's disease, hypothyroidism or anemia
Not only low temperatures or inadequate footwear are the most common causes of cold feet. Circulatory problems are a frequent cause of cold feet, in addition to pathologies related to peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud's disease, hypothyroidism, or anemia. In this regard, the Official College of Podiatry of the Valencian Community (ICOPCV), in Spain, detailed each of these diseases to EFE Health, offering general advice. Among the advice, it recommends: avoiding direct heat sources, taking warm baths, and doing exercises to stimulate circulation. Circulatory Problems: Venous insufficiency and arteriosclerosis hinder the return of blood to the heart and reduce warmth in the extremities. To avoid having cold feet due to circulatory problems, podiatrists recommend: Recommended exercises: toe flexions and ankle rotations to improve circulation. Habits to avoid: smoking, which inflames and obstructs the arteries. arteries.
Raynaud's Disease: A Specific Case
Raynaud's disease is characterized by episodes of decreased blood flow to the feet, resulting in a sensation of cold and changes in skin color.
“It is a transient ischemic attack,” explains Jorge Escoto, podiatrist and member of the board of directors of the ICOPCV. That is, “blood flow to the feet stops for a brief period of time, due to an obstruction of the arteries, which generates a sensation of cold in the lower limbs.”
This causes the feet to acquire a whitish or bluish tone and numbness to appear in the area, the expert points out.
Guidelines for the patient: regular exercise and reduction of nicotine consumption, in addition to avoiding sources of direct heat.
Peripheral Neuropathy:
Peripheral neuropathy “originates from damage to the nerves that detect temperature,” explains the podiatrist. “The feet feel cold, but when you touch them, they aren't actually cold,” he points out. This condition is common in people with diabetes, EFE reminds us.
Prevention: avoid braziers, have regular podiatric checkups,and inspect your feet daily for irritations.
Hypothyroidism and anemia
Both conditions can manifest with the sensation of cold feet. In the case of hypothyroidism, the decrease in thyroid hormones slows down metabolism and the production of body heat. While in anemia, the lack of iron causes poor blood circulation and reduces the body's ability to generate heat.
Metabolic impact: the lack of thyroid hormones and iron affects the production of body heat and circulation. Integrating podiatrists into multidisciplinary teams can facilitate the early detection of these pathologies.