It’s common to get cold feet, especially if you reside in a colder climate. But if you don’t, it becomes unpleasant, uncomfortable, and annoying. It becomes important to find out the reason if your feet remain cold even after you’ve put on thick wool socks and the rest of your body is warm. It might be the sign of some underlying or acute medical conditions. If you are wondering why are my feet always cold, this write-up will assist you along with how to manage it. 

Reasons why are My feet always cold?

1. Poor Circulation:- One of the most common reasons for chronically cold feet is poor circulation. When blood flow to the extremities is reduced, it becomes harder for the body to keep the feet and hands warm. Conditions like atherosclerosis, diabetes, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and blood vessel disorders can all restrict blood flow to the feet. Wearing tight socks, shoes or garments can also cut off circulation. 
2. Anaemia:- So, why are my feet always cold? Anemia, a condition where you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues, can cause cold feet. When tissues like those in the feet don’t get enough oxygenated blood, they can easily become cold. Boosting iron levels through diet or supplements helps treat iron-deficiency anaemia. 
3. Thyroid Issues:- The thyroid gland controls metabolism. When it’s underactive, a condition called hypothyroidism, the body can’t regulate temperature as well. Low thyroid hormone levels leave people feeling cold all over, especially in the feet and hands. 
4. Inadequate Fat Layer in Feet:- Having little fat over the feet contributes to feeling cold. Feet have relatively few fat cells compared to other areas of the body. And the bones, muscles, and blood vessels are close to the surface with little insulation. 
5. Aging:- If you are looking for the reasons why are my feet always cold, ageing can be one of them. Getting older naturally decreases circulation as blood vessels stiffen. Nerve endings also get less sensitive over time. This causes even mild cold to feel more severe. Older people are also more likely to have medical conditions that reduce blood flow. 
6. Raynaud’s Disease:- Raynaud’s disease causes the small arteries supplying blood to the skin to spasm when exposed to cold. Attacks cause the feet (as well as hands, ears, nose and lips) to tingle, turn white, and become numb or painful. 
7. Cold Environments:- Exposure to cold air, water or surfaces quickly draws heat away from the feet. Because feet already tend to be cooler than the rest of the body, they may reach uncomfortably cold temperatures before other areas. 

 

How To Manage cold Feet ?

Now that you know about the reasons why are my feet always cold, let’s have a look at how to manage it. 

1. Wear Warm Socks and Slippers:- Wearing warm socks made from wool or thermal fabrics can work wonders for cold feet. The extra insulation helps retain heat and adds a buffer between feet and cold surroundings. Similarly, wearing slippers or boots around the house prevents feet from getting chilled on cold floors. 
2. Use Heating Pad:- Slipping a hot water bottle or electric heating pad under the covers by your feet is an easy way to warm them up in bed. The direct heat from these devices circulates through the bedding to toes and soles. 
3. Soak Feet in Warm Water:- Soaking feet in warm water dilates blood vessels to boost circulation. The warmth also draws blood to the skin’s surface. Add Epsom salts to soothe sore, achy feet too. Soaking feet before bedtime helps ensure they stay warm overnight.
4. Massage Feet:- Gently massaging feet stimulates circulation through the muscles and tissues. This helps the vascular system pump blood into the feet and toes. Massaging with lotion or oils makes the massage glide smoothly while also moisturising skin. Focus on rubbing from the toes upward toward the knees. 
5. Exercise Regularly:- Regular exercise gets the cardiovascular system pumping to better circulate blood everywhere, including the feet. It also boosts natural insulation by increasing muscle mass. Walking, running, cycling and swimming are great options. Even calf raises, ankle rolls and foot stretches boost lower leg circulation. 
6. Quit Smoking:- Smoking constricts peripheral blood vessels that supply the feet and hands. The chemicals in tobacco smoke damage vessel walls and make arteries harder. Within only a few days of quitting smoking, circulation starts improving. Staying smoke-free over the long run significantly lowers risk of chronic circulatory disorders that can cause chronically cold feet.   
7. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol :- Caffeine and alcohol both constrict peripheral blood vessels. Too much of either can inhibit blood supply to the feet. Limiting intake of coffee, energy drinks, chocolate and alcoholic beverages helps optimize circulation. 

Overview

Knowing why are my feet always cold is important for properly managing this troublesome condition. Certain causes like circulatory disorders, nerve damage, and autoimmune diseases require medical treatment. Other factors like poor insulation and cold exposure are easily remedied through lifestyle changes like wearing warm socks and limiting time in cold environments. Identifying the source of the problem allows you to take appropriate action to warm up cold feet and restore comfort.