Cold feet are a common problem, often due to the specific structure of the human body. The lack of subcutaneous fat and muscle mass in the feet makes them more susceptible to getting cold.
During the fall and winter seasons, when the surrounding temperature drops, feet can become particularly chilly. Admigram.com has investigated this issue to help you keep your feet warm and your mood wonderful!
Why your feet get cold and what to do about it
Common reasons for cold feet
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Sometimes, tight footwear can be the culprit behind chilly feet. If your toes can’t move freely due to tight shoes, your feet will become cold more quickly. So, make sure your shoes are not only warm but also the right size, neither too tight nor excessively narrow.
Drafts can also be a factor. The surface of our feet and palms releases fluid to cool down our body. If air blows over this surface, your feet or palms will become instantly cold. So, choose a place without drafts or wear warm shoes.
Blood circulation plays a role too. Our body is a complex mechanism. If we’re not moving (sitting, lying down, standing), the temperature of various body parts can drop. So, either find a more comfortable posture to prevent your feet from being bent or move around more.
Sometimes, cold feet can be an indicator of health issues. If your feet are constantly cold regardless of the temperature or your shoe comfort, it might be time to think about your health. Perpetually cold feet can be a sign of capillary blood circulation issues, which might be caused by the following health problems:
- Localized blood circulation problems due to varicose veins and vascular anomalies;
- General blood circulation insufficiency due to autonomic dysfunction and other cardiovascular issues;
- Nerve impulse conduction issues along nerve fibers in the lower limbs due to diabetes;
- Thyroid gland dysfunction.
Of course, these issues are often accompanied by other symptoms apart from cold feet. These can include expanded veins, vascular “spiders,” foot edema, foot pain that worsens when walking, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, decreased skin sensitivity in the soles, and more. If your cold feet are accompanied by any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor.
Warming your feet with natural remedies
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If your feet are cold, you can turn to some natural remedies for relief. A spirit compress can help warm your feet quickly. Soak thin cotton socks in medical alcohol, warm your feet in a basin of warm water, dry them well, put on the alcohol-soaked socks, and then wool socks on top.
Foot baths with essential oils and salt can also help warm your feet. If your feet are cold, fill a basin with warm water, add 2 tbsp. of sea salt, 2 tbsp. of milk, and 10-15 drops of rosemary essential oil (dilute the oil in the milk first, as essential oils don’t dissolve in water due to their physical properties). Such a fragrant foot bath will not only instantly warm your feet but also provide your skin with nourishing elements.
However, don’t overuse warm socks throughout the year. Surprisingly, sometimes your feet might get cold because you are excessively warming them. Continuously being in warmth can lead to your feet becoming less responsive to temperature changes. Therefore, it’s essential not only to warm your feet but also to toughen them up.
Doctors’ advice to prevent cold feet
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If your feet are constantly cold regardless of the weather, it’s crucial not to overlook this issue. To avoid this frustrating problem, it’s essential to dress according to the weather, wear comfortable footwear, and monitor your health closely, seeking medical attention as soon as you notice any worrisome symptoms.
Here are some tips from doctors to help prevent cold feet:
Train your blood vessels. While not entirely simple, this is necessary. Start with hot foot baths or contrast baths. For hot foot baths, soak your feet in hot water until they turn red under a hot shower or keep them in hot water for about half an hour. For contrast baths, alternate between dipping your feet in hot and cold water. If you have the willpower, consider taking a contrast shower, alternating between cold and hot water.
Even when you feel cold and unmotivated to move, make yourself do ten exercises daily to stretch your entire body. Alternatively, sign up for aerobics, visit a fitness club, go to a tanning salon, or swim.
Drink hot chicken broth before heading outside. Exclude coffee and strong drinks from your diet for a few months, as caffeine, alcohol, and smoking cause vessel spasms and constriction, not dilation.
If your hemoglobin level is low, iron deficiency can lead you to or exacerbate anemia, where your body temperature drops, and you feel like you’re gradually cooling down. Anemia can affect your thyroid function, which is responsible for the body’s heating system. In this case, incorporate dried apricots, raisins, pomegranates, almonds, oatmeal, multivitamins, pumpkin, fresh fruits, and vegetables into your regular diet.
Drink more vitamin-rich and herbal infusions, fruit compotes, and berry drinks to increase blood circulation.
When going outside, it’s crucial to keep your head, hands, and feet warm. Wear two pairs of socks, mittens instead of gloves (mittens allow your fingers to warm each other), and ensure your head and neck are well-covered to retain heat.
In colder months, consume fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, pangasius, and others to alleviate some discomfort from vessel spasms caused by freezing temperatures.
image on top: Livi Po / Unsplash
