Wait—Is It Normal That My Feet Are Always Cold?
Woman wearing thick socks because her feet are cold
We often discuss "cold feet" in the figurative sense. Suddenly doubting your choice to get married days before your wedding? Struggling to press "send" on a job application in a completely different career? You may have cold feet—and understandably so. These are big decisions and life changes.
What you may need help understanding is why your feet are literally always cold. Sometimes, healthcare providers can't find a reason, either. "Many times, even after a thorough investigation, there is often not a cause found for cold feet, and it may just be a subjective feeling one has," explains Dr. Mary Greene, MD, of Manhattan Cardiology in NYC and contributor to labfinder.com.
However, literal cold feet might have something in common with the figurative type—there's a reason we refer to nerves as "cold feet." "Both situations may have something to do with nerves or other potential causes," says Dr. John P. Card, MD, an internal medicine provider with Novant Health Adult Primary Care Harper Hill.
OK, so is it normal to have cold feet all the time or not? Doctors weigh in.
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Is It Normal That My Feet Are Always Cold?
Maybe. "Cold feet can be quite normal," Dr. Card says.
Another doctor agrees. "Cold feet are very common and often are not a cause for concern, especially when it occurs in those who are young and otherwise healthy," says Dr. John Raimo, MD, the chair of the Department of Medicine at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills.
As is often the case with questions about whether something is normal, there are caveats. "If you are having persistently cold feet or if this is a new or worsening concern for you, then it is probably a good idea to speak with your doctor," Dr. Raimo shares. "Additionally, if one foot is significantly colder than the other, you should seek medical attention."
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5 Reasons Your Feet Are Constantly Cold
Wondering why your feet are always cold? Here's what to know.
1. You're cold
Sometimes, the answer is simple: You're in a chilly spot. "This should be a temporary situation," says Dr. Card. "Once you get into warmer surroundings or put on warm coverings on your feet, they should warm right up."
2. Poor blood flow
"One of the more common causes is poor blood flow to the feet," Dr. Raimo says. A circulatory system disorder might be triggering your chronically cold feet. Dr. Card says Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is the most frequently diagnosed one.
"This is when there is an obstruction that causes a low flow of newly oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to other areas of our body, most likely due to plaque build-up within the arteries," Dr. Card says. "The most common cause is related to an over-accumulation of cholesterol, and possibly calcium, within the vessels, resulting in a low blood flow state, which would cause cold feet."
3. Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Wait, what? "What happens [in Raynaud's Phenomenon] is that there is a spasm of the blood vessels of the feet that results in cold feelings and sometimes numbness or pain when exposed to cold," Dr. Card says.
Dr. Card explains that people with certain autoimmune diseases may be more likely to experience Raynaud's Phenomenon, including:
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Lupus
Scleroderma
4. Anemia
Hematologic system disorders like anemia can also cause cold feet because they can lower red blood cell counts. "Red blood cells help to carry oxygen and other nutrients to our body organs," Dr. Card says. "If there is not enough oxygen and other nutrients reaching our feet, they may feel cold."
5. Peripheral neuropathy
Cold feet might also be triggered by issues within the central nervous system, like peripheral neuropathy. "Nervous system disorders such as peripheral neuropathy may be the result of damaged or non-functioning nerve endings which gives the sensation of cold feet, numbness, tingling or pain," Dr. Card explains. "However, when the feet are being felt, they actually do not feel cold."
Dr. Greene says people with diabetes have greater odds of developing peripheral neuropathy.
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What Type of Doctor Treats Cold Feet?
The answer to this question will ultimately depend on the reason your feet are cold. "In general, it’s usually best to start with your primary care doctor," Dr. Raimo says.
From there, your doctor may refer you to a specialist.
"Getting your A1c under control can help if you have diabetes, and an endocrinologist specializes in this," Dr. Greene explains. "If it's due to neuropathy, certain medications can help. A primary care doctor or neurologist can help."
Dr. Greene adds that vascular surgeons or interventional cardiologists can assist with blood vessel issues, and hematologists are among the specialists who can help you manage anemia.
What Are Treatments for Cold Feet?
It depends on the cause.
"If the cause is poor blood flow to your feet, your [primary care] doctor may start you on medications to improve blood flow and reduce risk factors, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure or may refer you to a vascular specialist depending on the severity," Dr. Raimo says.
Your doctor may also have you undergo additional tests like bloodwork to rule out other potential causes based on your physical exam and conversations.
"You can reduce your risk by exercising, managing any underlying health problems and avoiding smoking and other tobacco products," Dr. Raimo adds.
Next up: Is It Normal to Feel Hungry Immediately After Eating?
Sources
Dr. Mary Greene, MD, of Manhattan Cardiology in NYC and contributor to labfinder.com
Dr. John P. Card, MD, an internal medicine provider with Novant Health Adult Primary Care Harper Hill
Dr. John Raimo, MD, the chair of the Department of Medicine at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills
