What Could Be the Cause of My Cold Feet?
Cold feet are such a bother and can stem from several causes. While sometimes a cranked AC or a pair of hole-riddled socks can be the culprit. Many medical conditions may also be behind your frozen toes, some quite severe.
Diabetes
Diabetes harm many of the body’s systems and creates many new and unpleasant conditions in its wake. Though diabetes may be at the heart of cold feet, some of its constituents may be contributing factors.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy, which creates a breaking down of the nerves along the extremities. Therefore, a sense of cold, tinging, stabbing, numbness or burning occurs. Even if you are not diabetic, you can still develop peripheral neuropathy, such as:
- injury
- alcoholism
- medications
- A deficiency in vitamins and minerals
Peripheral Artery Disease
One of the most common causes of cold feet is lack of circulation, and peripheral artery disease can cause the blood flow to your extremities to become sluggish. Though diabetes is a common cause of this condition, it is possible to also develop it due to any number of lifestyle factors. However, the most commonly known are smoking, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
Hypothyroidism
Hormonal changes in the body may be the cause behind cold feet, too. The thyroid gland is an all-encompassing entity, factoring into most bodily processes and almost all the systems in some way or another. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce adequate hormones. Therefore, causing an overall sense of cold (feet included), fatigue, dry skin, weight gain, and muscle pain, among other symptoms.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Though the term is broadened to include all the various manifestations that this condition can entail. Raynaud’s is an overreaction to cold and a hindrance in the arterial capacity to carry blood from the torso to the extremities. Its most notable symptom is the marked change in coloration when the hands and feet become colder than the trunk.
Anemia
Anemia is a lack of red blood cells. Or a problem with the cells themselves, causing them to behave erratically or inefficiently. While this condition can be caused by any number of genetic factors, anemia can also be caused by a sudden blood loss. Its symptoms include paleness, weakness, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), cold hands and feet, and shortness of breath.
Buerger’s Disease
Though rare, your cold feet may be a product of Buerger’s Disease, a condition linked to tobacco use that causes swelling of capillaries and blood vessels in the hands and feet. The result can be dire; blood clots, infection, and ulcers or sores. This disease causes a change in coloration of the skin similar to Raynaud’s – pale, blueish, or red – and as always, a change of skin color should be cause for a doctor visit regardless.
Although cold feet is not always a cause for alarm. It is, however, critical to keeping a close eye on your symptoms. If you suspect diabetes is the cause of your cold feet, give us a call at 888-409-8006 to schedule a consultation with a foot/ankle specialist in the South Florida area. Offices conveniently located in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, & Plantation.