“Cold feet” brings to mind occasions such as getting nervous the day before your wedding or the feeling you get before you give a big presentation.
However, sometimes, your feet are just cold.
Some people experience cold feet daily. Their feet may consistently feel cold to them or cold to the touch.
While many people experience cold feet in their lifetime, this may be a symptom of something more serious. Let’s take a closer look at cold feet and what it means for your body.
Poor Circulation Causes Cold Feet
Although the leading cause of cold feet may be an absence of heat, there is potentially a deeper cause.
Poor circulation is one of the most common causes of cold feet. This makes it difficult for warm blood to circulate throughout the entire body.
If there is a lack of warm blood making its way to your feet, they will feel much colder than the rest of your limbs. This can be the result of a sedentary lifestyle or a heart condition that renders your heart unable to pump blood through the body regularly.
Smokers may also experience cold feet, as smoking causes blood vessels to narrow and become blocked. When the blood cannot flow freely within the vessels, this can lead to partial or complete loss of circulation.
If left untreated, patients may develop gangrene or require amputation.
So how can you improve circulation in your feet?
How to Improve Circulation
Here are a few ways to improve circulation to your feet:
- Stop smoking. Giving up smoking is one way to improve the circulation in your body. When you quit, your body immediately begins to reap the benefits. Within two weeks, your circulation will improve, and your blood vessels will begin to receive more oxygen.
- Go for walks. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, going for walks can help increase blood flow throughout the body. It increases muscle contractions in your legs, which promotes healthy circulation throughout your feet.
- Reexamine sitting positions. While you may spend most of your day sitting, changing your sitting positions can increase circulation in your feet. Crossing your legs when you sit cuts off circulation to your legs. Instead, try sitting with your legs apart and your feet flat on the floor. You can also elevate your legs with a small stool.
- Wear compression socks. Compression socks or stockings can also help you improve circulation in your feet. If you stand or sit for the majority of your day, this can hurt your circulation levels. Compression socks cause the muscles in your legs to contract and relax, increasing blood flow.
Visit Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle to Treat Poor Circulation
If you suspect that your cold feet are a result of poor circulation, don’t hesitate to visit our doctors here at Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle. We are more than happy to help you create a plan of action to treat your cold feet and poor circulation.
To schedule an appointment, fill out our online contact form. A member of our team will be in touch with you shortly!
