Do you always have cold feet, even when wearing a cozy pair of socks? Here we explain how to finally get warm feet.
Everyone has experienced cold feet. However, in some people, this happens all the time and is therefore a real discomfort. Most of the time, having cold feet is perfectly harmless. But in some cases, it can indicate more serious health problems.
Table of Contents
Why do we have cold feet?
There are several different causes of cold feet. Sometimes the simplest reason is a lack of heat. If you wear jeans and a t-shirt and your feet are bare in the middle of January, it makes sense that they cool down first. But there are also other causes.
Poor circulation
It is one of the most common causes of cold feet. Poor circulation can make regular blood flow to the extremities (hands, feet, a tip of the nose) difficult, making them colder than the rest of your body.
Circulation problems can result in heart disease. This is the case when the heart has trouble pumping blood through the body at a fairly rapid rate. Poor circulation can also be the result of an overly sedentary lifestyle. If you sit at a desk all day working, you are certainly prone to cold feet. Smoking can also cause poor circulation.
Anemia
Anemia develops when you have a shortage of red blood cells. This is another common cause of “cold feet syndrome”, especially in severe cases of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can occur even in otherwise very healthy people. It can be treated relatively easily with changes in diet and taking supplements.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Diabetes can cause not only cold feet to the touch but also cold feet due to nerve damage. Other symptoms may include numbness or tingling in the feet. If you experience symptoms of nerve damage in the feet, consult your doctor, and take extra care to avoid cuts or injuries.
Hypothyroidism
This condition occurs when the thyroid is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This interferes with the body’s metabolism. Since metabolism controls both heart rate and body temperature, an underactive thyroid reduces blood flow and causes cold feet.
Fortunately, most of the time, the causes of cold feet are perfectly benign. However, do not hesitate to consult a doctor if you notice sores on the toes that take a long time to heal or if you experience fatigue, weight changes, fever, joint pain, or if you notice a rash or thickening of the skin.
How to warm your feet?
Fortunately, there are simple tips to keep your feet warm. Here are a few:
Change socks
If the socks you are wearing are not enough to warm your feet, change them, and opt for a very cozy pair if possible made of 70% wool. Or use these battery heated socks.
Wear slippers
Very hot and stuffed if possible. Or get battery heated insoles.
Warm your body
If the rest of your body is also cold, you will never be able to warm your feet. So start by putting on an extra layer of clothing or by wrapping yourself in a plaid. This will make it easier for you to warm your feet.
Put on a beanie
Yes, as surprising as it may seem, it will help warm your feet. Indeed, we lose a lot of heat through the head, and covering it will allow you to keep your feet warm.
Iron your socks
Put on a pair of socks that you have ironed or that you have previously tumbled in the dryer for about ten minutes. Cozy warmth guaranteed!
Immerse your feet in warm water
But beware, avoid too hot water! The water temperature must be around 37 ° C.
Use a hot water bottle
If you don’t have one on hand, a regular bottle of water filled with hot water will do just fine.
Get moving!
The best way to keep your cold feet warm is to get up and walk to activate blood circulation. You can also do a series of small exercises: put yourself on tiptoes, then return to the soles of your feet, or stretch your feet and point your toes, then bring them back to your body by bending your toes. Repeat these movements until your feet are awake and warm.
