Why Do Your Feet Feel Like Ice?

1. Poor circulation. Feet can become cold when they don’t experience the effects of warming blood. Blood’s pathway to the feet may be blocked due to:

Raynaud’s phenomenon. Where blood vessels in the fingers or toes begin to spasm as a result of exposure to cold temperatures. Spasms restrict the flow of blood, thereby leaving toes pale and cold

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The peripheral arteries are the ones that are furthest away from your heart, such as in your hands and feet. When there is atherosclerosis or narrowing of the arteries due to fatty deposits, blood flow to these areas is restricted.

Smoking. You may be surprised to learn that the chemicals in tobacco can cause a narrowing of the arteries.

2. Anemia. Cold feet are one of the symptoms of low blood iron, also called anemia.  Shortness of breath and extreme fatigue that go along with cold feet all point to anemia as a possible cause.
3. Nerve damage (neuropathy). Nerve damage can interfere with the nerves that sense temperature in your feet.
4. Prescription medications. Cold feet can be a side of effect of some meds, including beta blockers and birth control pills.
5. Hormonal changes. Women who are menstruating or women who are pregnant experience fluctuations in hormones that can sometimes cause feet to become more sensitive to the cold. An imbalance of thyroid hormones could also be the culprit.

Nerve damage or poor circulation in the feet, especially if accompanied by sores that won’t heal, is particularly worrisome as they’re both warning signs of diabetes. If cold feet are bothersome to you, we can help. Call Monmouth County podiatrists Samantha Boyd, DPM; Hal Ornstein, DPM; Joseph Saka, DPM; and Katy Statler, DPM of Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center. Our staff promises you a warm welcome at our modern office in Howell, New Jersey. Make an appointment online or give us a call at (732) 905-1110.