Causes and treatment methodsCold feet
Many of us experience cold hands and feet during winter, but constant coldness or cold fingers and toes during warm weather may indicate a health issue.
Most people have felt cold feet at various times in their lives; some causes are temporary and harmless, while others can indicate more serious health conditions that we will address in this health section.SelMagzWe will discuss them.
CausesWhat are cold feet?There are several different reasons; sometimes, the simplest reason is a lack of warmth, but there may also be other causes.
Poor circulation
:This is one of the most common causes of cold feet. Poor circulation can result in insufficient warmth reaching the feet, which is why feet are often colder than the rest of the body. Circulation problems can be due to heart disease, where the heart struggles to pump blood throughout the body.
Poor circulation can arise from sitting for too long. If you sit behind a desk at work every day, you may experience this problem. Smoking can also cause poor circulation.
Anemia
:This is another common cause of cold feet, especially in more severe cases. Anemia and
iron deficiencycan even occur in healthy individuals. This issue can be relatively easily treated with dietary changes or the use of supplements.Diabetes
Type 1 and 2:Diabetes can cause nerve damage in your feet, leading to the sensation of coldness. It can also bring other symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the feet. If you notice signs of nerve damage in your feet, consult your doctor for necessary care to prevent foot surgery and cuts.
Hypothyroidism
:This condition occurs when the thyroid is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormone, disrupting the body’s metabolism, which controls heart rate and body temperature. This type of thyroid issue reduces circulation, making the feet colder than normal.
Other common causes of cold feet include:Vascular diseases or blocked arteries, where blood vessels are damagedMuscle cramps and nerve damageHow are symptoms of cold feet diagnosed?Your doctor will perform a physical examination, tapping various areas of your feet to observe signs of nerve problems or may order a
blood test
- to check for conditions like anemia, diabetes, or hypothyroidism.
- They may also order an electrocardiogram to monitor your heart function, as they may believe the cause of your cold feet is related to heart disease or poor circulation, or they may check your
blood pressure
in different parts of your feet to determine which ones are affected, and if peripheral artery disease is diagnosed, they will definitely prescribe aultrasoundtest.
When should you see a doctor?If you notice your feet are colder than normal compared to the rest of your body, ask your doctor about any further physical symptoms.If wounds on your fingers and toes last for a long timeWeight changesFever
Joint pain
Any changes in your skin, such as thickening
- If you also feel cold feet along with these symptoms, you should contact your doctor, as it may indicate a nerve condition.
- Natural remedies for cold feet:
- 1. Treating cold feet with warm oil massage:
- Massaging your feet is a simple and effective way to bring back warmth and stimulates blood flow in your limbs.
- Heat some
olive oil
,
coconut oil
or
- sesame oilin the microwave for a few seconds.Then apply it to your cold feet and gently massage from the toes to the heels for 10 minutes.Repeat this with your other foot.After the massage, wear cotton socks.Do this every night before bed or once more during the day if necessary.2. Water therapy for cold feet:
- Fill two basins with water (one with cold water and the other with warm water)Sit comfortably and soak your feet in cold water for 2 minutes, then repeat with warm water for 1 minute. Continue this process for about 15 to 20 minutes.Immediately dry your feet and put on warm socks. Repeat this treatment several times a day until improvement.
- Note: You can add a few drops of ginger oil,
- rosemary
- or mint to the water.
3. Foot exercises to get rid of cold feet:
- Foot exercise 1:
- Stand on your toes for 1 minute, then gently shift to your heels. Repeat this for 10 minutes.
- Foot exercise 2:
While seated, rotate the ankles of both feet clockwise and counterclockwise. Repeat this movement between 10 to 20 times.Foot exercise 3:Use your toes to pick up a piece of cloth or any other object from the ground and repeat this several times.
Perform any of these exercises if you feel your feet getting cold.
4. Epsom salt for cold feet:
Another method to warm your feet is soaking them in water containing Epsom salt. The warmth of the water provides heat to your feet, and the magnesium sulfate in the salt spreads magnesium and warmth throughout the body.
Add half a cup of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water.
Stir until the salt is fully dissolved.
Then soak your feet in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
Repeat this treatment twice a week.
5. Ginger for warming the body:
Ginger increases blood circulation and can combat coldness. Additionally, it may reduce the risk of
blood clots.
Mix one tablespoon of ginger pieces with two cups of water and let it steep for 10 minutes. You can add somehoney
- if needed.
- For better results, you can drink this mixture two to three times a day.
- Alternatively, boil a handful of ginger pieces in water and let it cool slightly.
- Soak your feet in this mixture for 15 minutes twice a day.
Or you may consider taking ginger supplements after consulting your doctor.
6. Eliminating cold feet withgreen tea:Drinking 2 to 3 cups of green tea throughout the day helps treat cold feet. Boil green tea leaves in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes. If desired, you can use honey for sweetness.Alternatively, you can steep 3 or 4 green tea bags in a large container of hot water for 10 minutes and then soak your feet in it for 10 minutes. Repeat this treatment twice a day.
- 7.Cayenne pepper for cold feet:Evenly distribute one teaspoon of this pepper in a pair of thick socks. First, put on thin socks and then the thicker ones. You can also use cayenne cream for massaging the soles of your feet, which contains capsaicin, or consider taking a supplement of this herb after consulting your doctor.8.Walking on grass for treating cold feet:
- Walking barefoot on grass in the early morning is one of the best ways to increase circulation in the feet. This treatment not only reduces and eliminates cold feet but also strengthens the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the feet and ankles.
- Additionally, it enhances your body’s vitamin D absorption. (A deficiency in vitamin D increases the likelihood of anemia and having cold hands and feet.) It is recommended to start your day with 30 minutes of walking barefoot on grass to enjoy your overall health.
- 9. Increase iron intake to improve cold feet:
- Women aged 19 to 50 need 18 mg of iron daily, while men of the same age require 8 mg of iron per day. To prevent
iron deficiencyincluding iron-rich foods likedates
, apples, lentils, red meat,
spinach
, almonds, driedapricotsand asparagus in your diet.
You can also consider taking iron supplements after consulting your doctor.
10. Eat magnesium-rich foods:Magnesium is another nutrient needed for circulation and vitamin D absorption. A deficiency in magnesium increases the chances of cold hands and feet. The body cannot store magnesium for long, so it is essential to regularly include magnesium-rich foods in your diet.Adult women need 300 mg of magnesium daily, while men need 400 mg. Some sources of magnesium-rich foods include spinach,
mustard
, broccoli,avocado,cucumbers,
green beans, pumpkin seeds, and almonds. You may also consider taking magnesium supplements after consulting your doctor.
Additional tips for relieving cold feet:When sitting on a chair, do not let your feet hang. Place a footrest under your feet.Try aerobic activities like walking orcyclingto increase circulation and prevent cold feet.Wear warm and comfortable socks during cold seasons.If you are a smoker, quit, as it may weaken circulation.Regularly check your cholesterol, blood pressure, andblood sugar levels.Consume omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods like salmon, walnuts,flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds to prevent blocked vessels and poor circulation.Utilize practices likeyogaor acupuncture as well.
Cold feet
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Anemia
Anemia as a cause of cold toesHypothyroidismThe cause of cold calves due to hypothyroidismCold toesHow cold feet are diagnosedFeverFever as a symptom accompanying cold feetTreatment for cold feetTreatment of cold feet in traditional medicine
Foot water therapy
- Relieving cold feet with water therapy
- Exercises for the solesExercises to warm the feetEpsom salt
- Home remedy for cold feet with salt
- Ginger for warming the body
- Herbal treatment for cold feet with gingerGreen teaHome remedy for cold feet with green tea
- Walking on grassWalking barefoot on grass to relieve cold feetSpinach
- Increasing body warmth with spinachThe cause of cold feetCold feet
