Thankfully, Georgia winters are pretty mild, and freezing temperatures aren’t our nemesis. However; for some, cold feet are something they just can’t shake through the seasons.
Are you, or someone you know, always asking —
“Why are my feet always cold?”
Having cold feet all of the time is an indicator of an underlying issue and not something to be ignored.
Here are 5 surprising reasons why your feet are always cold and what you can do about it.
5 SURPRISING REASONS YOUR FEET ARE ALWAYS COLD
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You May Have Poor Circulation
This is one of the most common causes of cold feet. When someone has poor circulation, it is difficult for enough warm blood to get to the feet regularly, especially when the temperatures drop outside. While circulation problems can develop as a result of a heart condition, a sedentary lifestyle such as sitting at a computer every day for work can also be a leading factor. Smoking and too much alcohol consumption can also create circulation problems.
If you do not lead a sedentary lifestyle i.e. work at a desk, sit in lots of traffic, rarely work out and are still experiencing cold feet all of the time, it is important to get checked by your PCP as this could be a more serious underlying issue like the ones below.
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You Might Have an Iron Deficiency
Iron is a mineral with several important functions for your body. It’s main job is to produce red blood cells and to carry oxygen throughout your body.
An iron deficiency can cause anemia and lead to symptoms like fatigue, but it can also lead to chronic cold feet. This is something that can happen to even those leading active, healthy lifestyles.
An iron deficiency can be quickly detected with a blood test and easily treated with iron supplements.
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You Could Have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes can cause nerve damage in the feet which can make them feel cold all of the time. The medical term for this is diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Other symptoms of DPN can include numbness, tingling or burning. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of nerve damage in your feet, make an appointment with one of our Podiatrists immediately.
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You’re dealing with Hypothyroidism
A small rise or fall in thyroid levels can change the body temperature enough to significantly affect how a person feels. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, your metabolism becomes compromised and everything from your heartbeat to body temperature is affected.
An under-active thyroid could contribute to reduced circulation and colder feet. If you have already been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or feel that you may have it, consider more exercise, eat more protein and less refined carbs, and avoid caffeine.
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Anxiety or High Stress Levels
Have you heard of the term “fight or flight”? If you’ve ever experienced extreme fright in a situation such as a car accident or someone in distress, than you’ve experienced your body’s natural “fight” reaction. This is adrenaline. It is why someone could have broken an arm but not have felt it until hours later when reality kicked in and the “adrenaline” wore off.
Your nervous system is triggered by stress and anxiety and it diverts critical resources (for example, blood) toward vital organs at the expense of circulating blood to the extremities when you are in ‘fight’ mode. Someone with clinical anxiety or high stress levels are constantly sending signals to their body to FIGHT and therefore experience cold feet all of the time.
It is VITAL to reduce stress and anxiety every way that you can. This will aid in giving your entire body what it needs to survive and thrive.
If you are experiencing cold feet all of the time, make an appointment at Da Vinci Foot and Ankle. We are here to help diagnose you properly and treat the underlying causes of your freezing feet.
You don’t have to live with pain. Da Vinci Foot and Ankle can help! Call your nearest location below to book your consultation appointment with one of our Doctors.
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Lake Oconee, GA 706-999-9994