The feeling of icy feet even in a warm room is familiar to many. This often causes anxiety and makes you think about the state of blood vessels or hormones.
Health specialists on the pages of “mrtexpert.ru” (18+) helped to figure out when chilliness is a harmless feature, and when it is a signal of a disorder in the body.
Cold feet as a manifestation of poor circulation
Everyone's limbs feel cold in the cold; this is a normal protective reaction of the body. But if your feet are cold even when warm, this may indicate a deterioration in tissue nutrition.
Possible reasons include:
- Atherosclerosis – the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of the arteries narrows the blood vessels.
- Diabetes – high sugar damages blood vessels and nerves; Numbness often occurs.
- Lack of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) – metabolism slows down, body temperature decreases.
- Problems with blood pressure – both high and low.
- Anemia – with low hemoglobin, the tissues do not have enough oxygen, and a feeling of “icy” feet appears.
It is difficult to determine the source of the problem without diagnostics, since there are too many reasons.
What additional symptoms require attention?
If cold feet are accompanied by other symptoms, this is a reason to consult a specialist.
- Tingling or numbness is a possible sign of sensory loss or neuropathy.
- Pain in the legs, especially when walking, may indicate vasoconstriction.
- Pale or bluish skin is a sign of decreased blood flow.
- Slow hair growth, dryness, and decreased skin sensitivity are also possible signs of vascular disorders.
The earlier a problem is detected, the easier it is to solve it.
If your child has cold feet
This is a common occurrence in children, especially after active play outside. But constant chilliness may be a reason to take a closer look.
Possible causes of cold feet in children:
- Iron deficiency (anemia).
- Disorders of the heart or blood vessels.
- “White” fever. A rare condition: the temperature is high, but the hands and feet are cold. Emergency assistance required.
Since atherosclerosis is one of the common causes of cold feet, it is important to know the risk factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, chronic stress, smoking and alcohol, high consumption of fatty foods, diabetes, high cholesterol, age over 45 years, and heredity. Some factors cannot be changed, but most can be influenced.
To reduce the risk of vascular disorders, you should follow simple recommendations. Move more, try to eat a balanced diet, dress for the season and give up bad habits.
Cold feet are not always a reason to panic, but you shouldn’t ignore the problem either. If chilliness has become constant or is accompanied by pain, changes in skin color, or numbness, it is better not to postpone a visit to the doctor.
This information can help not only you, but also loved ones who complain of similar discomfort, because sometimes timely advice becomes the first step towards diagnosis and improvement of well-being.
Important: This information is not a substitute for consulting a doctor. The body's response to changes in diet/training may depend on individual physiology, genetic predisposition and health status. It is recommended to consult a specialist.
