Cold Feet: The Solutions That Work!

No matter how well you bundle them up, your feet are still cold? There are very simple solutions to avoid having ice cubes instead of toes!

Under the effect of the cold, the blood vessels contract in order to limit the loss of internal heat and to keep the vital organs warm. As a result, the extremities (feet, hands) are poorly vascularized and they quickly become cold.

 

Here are some solutions that can help.

Shoes

– to insulate from the cold, the soles of your shoes must be thick and non-slip in order to prevent the toes from twitching to compensate for the instability, which would cool them more. This could also lead to the creation of a “claw toe”. You can also use heated insoles for shoes and boots. They are powered by rechargeable batteries and they will warm your feet for hours.

– in order not to further impede the blood circulation, your shoes must not compress the feet. Keep 1cm of space to feel comfortable.

– in order not to promote maceration and worsen the phenomenon of cold feet, your shoes must also isolate from humidity. Some materials do not drain well. Leather is much more waterproof.

 

Socks

– to go out: they must isolate the feet and absorb perspiration. Avoid synthetic and use natural materials (cotton, Scottish yarn, wool, silk) or technical socks. You can put two thin pairs on top of each other provided they are of different sizes so as not to compress the feet. Or you can use battery powered socks that will keep your feet cozy for hours.

– to sleep: it’s better to sleep without socks to avoid sweating, maceration, and compression. But if having cold feet delays your sleep, then choose loose cotton socks and wash them every day.

 

Good care

Dealing with the coldness of the feet does not mean exposing them to high heat (dangerous for the vessels, risk of burns, or ulceration of existing lesions). It is better to choose the remedies according to the particular situation.

 

Treat excess sweating

Feet suffering from hyperhidrosis (greater than normal sweating, even in winter) will never be able to warm up without specific treatment (local antiperspirant). Consult your podiatrist or dermatologist.

 

Apply a suitable cream

Before going out, massage your feet with an anti-cold and anti-moisture cream with vitamin A. Also do this massage every night using a cream for dry feet in a strong way to stimulate the blood circulation.

 

Foot bath

The water should be warm (36° C), never hot. Limit the bath to 10 minutes, so as not to soften the skin too much, which weakens it. You can pour a few drops of thyme essential oil in it, which boosts circulation.

 

Eat “antifreeze”

The cold dehydrates as much as the heat and increases the phenomenon of vasoconstriction. So drink enough water.

Also eat foods that increase thermogenesis, a mechanism of body heat production: proteins, vitamin C and E vitamin, and those that activate microcirculation (chilli, pepper, ginger).