Our Fairfax VA podiatrist knows that “getting cold feet” is more than just an expression. You may experience cold feet for a variety of reasons–the most obvious being a lack of warmth. However, if you find that you cannot seem to warm up your feet no matter how many pairs of socks you layer on, read on to learn about what else may be causing your chills.
Conditions That Cause Cold Feet According to Our Fairfax VA Podiatrist
Cold feet are often the result of poor circulation. Getting your blood pumping with moderate activity can help to increase circulation. In other cases, health problems may be at the root of the issue and our podiatrist in Fairfax VA can help you remedy these concerns.
Raynaud’s Disease
Raynaud’s disease is a condition where the small arteries that bring blood to your skin become narrow, especially when exposed to cold temperatures or stress. Your feet will feel cold, and the color of your feet may also change as the temperature changes. Treatments range depending on the severity of the case. Consult with our podiatrist in Fairfax VA to determine what medications are appropriate to take because some, such as over-the-counter cold medicines, may make symptoms worse.
Nerve Damage
Diabetics with high blood sugar may experience diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This is a type of nerve damage that can result in numbness, pain, burning, tingling, or coldness in the extremities. However, nerve damage can also result from a host of other medical conditions such as kidney or liver disease, vitamin deficiencies, or infections to name a few. Our Fairfax podiatrist does not recommend soaking your feet in hot water to warm up. While it may seem like an intuitive solution, nerve damage will impair you from realizing when water is too hot and this could potentially result in unintended burns.
Our Fairfax VA Podiatrist Says Your Thyroid May Be Behind Your Cold Feet
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a term that describes an under active thyroid. Without proper hormone balance and control, your body’s systems will not be able to function smoothly. If your cold feet are paired with symptoms like fatigue, memory problems, or weight gain, consult with our podiatrist in Fairfax about hypothyroidism. A blood test will be able to provide further insight.
Smoking, anemia, peripheral arterial disease, and hyperhidrosis are also examples of conditions that may be leading to your cold feet. Our The Podiatry Center is happy to schedule an appointment with you if you’d like to consult with our 5-star podiatrist in Fairfax VA.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with a convenient podiatry office location near Fairfax VA, by clicking here or by calling 301.656.6055.
