Cold feet are a nuisance that is usually not paid attention to, as it usually only occurs sporadically. However, when it is a frequent state, it is worth consulting the doctor, It can be the result of poor circulation or other health issues.
This condition is more frequent among women, and most of the time it is not very important, especially if it occurs in cold seasons. If it occurs at any time of the year and is accompanied by other symptoms, there is a possibility of poor circulation.
Poor circulation in the legs and cold feet are signs that are sometimes accompanied by tingling, numbness and cramps. If this is your case, it is best to consult a professional.
Poor circulation affects the feet
It must be taken into account that the feet are an area very far from the heart, and for this reason it is more difficult for the blood to reach them. This affects them so that they almost always have a lower temperature than the rest of the body.
If the temperature in the feet is persistently low and very common, it is possible that this is the effect of poor circulation. In these cases, not only does the distance from the heart factor in, but there tends to be a problem impeding blood flow to that area.
Common causes of poor circulation and cold feet
peripheral artery disease
In this pathology there is accumulation of plaque, narrowing and hardening of the arteries. Blood flow to the feet and legs decreases, making the skin pale. Sometimes there is pain, tingling, and cramp-like muscle problems.
Some people are at increased risk of developing this disease, particularly those who have high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels or are smokers. If all these risk factors are combined, the danger is high.
Raynaud’s disease
Raynaud’s disease is a disease of the blood vessels that affects the fingers and toes. In cold or stressful conditions, blood vessels narrow and impede blood flow. The episode lasts anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour.
It is normal for the skin on your fingers to turn white or bluish and feel numb. When circulation is restored, the skin turns red, tingling, pain and palpitations are felt.
Other causes of cold feet
Poor circulation isn’t the only factor that leads to cold feet. Sometimes there is underlying peripheral neuropathy, which is a common neurological disorder in people diabetic. In this case, the feet are cold from the patient’s point of view, but warm to the touch.
Peripheral neuropathy also occurs in people with vitamin B deficiency, injuries where a pinched nerve is present, poisoning from heavy metals, problematic alcohol use, or autoimmune disorders. Burning feet are also associated, with no apparent explanation.
Diabetic neuropathy may be the prime reason for consultation among people who are unaware of their diabetes
signs of poor circulation
Symptoms appear long after poor circulation is already present, and that’s a problem. The first signs have to do with overstraining the feet, punctures and pain. Other associated signs are as follows:
- Vascular spiders, which appear due to poor blood return and have the shape of a cobweb.
- Varicose veins: An enlargement of the veins.
- Tingling and cramping when there are fatty deposits blocking the flow. It is a risky long-term condition.
- Changes in toenails with noticeable thickening and color change to bluish or purple.
- Changes in the skin of the feet and legs. If brown spots appear, you should consult a specialist as soon as possible.
Beware of bad circulation!
Having very dry skin, slow healing of wounds in the lower limbs or frequent cramps after moving a few meters are warning signs that require specialist advice. Cold feet may be trivial, but We must always be vigilant, so that a more serious pathology does not happen to us without realizing it.
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