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Cold Feet
When fall winds down and winter is coming on, it is not unusual to have cold feet. Normally, cold feet are nothing more than the result of exposure to cold air; BUT... they can also be a symptom of more serious conditions.
| Cause |
Whenever the body temperature starts to dip below its normal range, it redirects the blood supply to critical organs to keep them warm (the brain, the lungs, the heart, and others). The first areas to lose this blood supply are the extremities - the hands and the feet. This is why you first feel the effects of the cold in your fingers and toes. |
| Prevention |
 In cold weather the key to keeping your feet warm is keeping your entire body warm.
- Always dress appropriately for whatever activity you are doing. Dress in layers. Layers insulate your body to help you retain your "natural" heat and can be removed as necessary if the temperature goes up and you become too warm.
- Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears. A disproportionate amount of body heat escapes through the head.
- Wear good insulating gloves to keep your hands warm and dry.
- Use the Integrated Comfort Solution™ (consisting of Thorlos engineered padded sock products, an insert or orthotic as necessary, and properly designed and fitted shoes or boots) to keep your feet warm and dry:
- Wear an engineered padded sock product that is made from insulating fibers such as wool and hollow core man-made fibers, and/or blends of wool and man-made fibers. Wool is a good cold weather fiber because it retains its insulating characteristics when it gets wet; and synthetic fibers can be engineered to insulate as well as to wick moisture away from the feet. Look below to find socks for cold feet.
- Use an insert or orthotic that allows the feet room to expand and spread. This will promote good blood flow to help the feet maintain warmth.
- Choose shoes or boots that provide insulation and protection. Leather and synthetic materials both provide good insulation.
- If you are in snow, be sure to wear an outer layer of water-resistant material, and footwear with water-resistant soles and uppers. It is important to stay as dry as possible, because if you get wet your body loses heat more rapidly.
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| Medical Issues |
Cold feet can also be an indication of more serious medical problems. If you have any reason to suspect that cold feet are caused by anything other than the ambient temperature conditions, you should see your physician (for example, if you have the sensation of cold feet when you are in a warm place, have just finished exercising, or in any other situation where there is no apparent reason for your feet to feel cold).
These medical conditions are possible causes of cold feet: » view medical issues
- Buerger's disease
An inflammatory disease that causes obstruction of the blood vessels of the extremities.
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- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - A condition of prolonged and severe tiredness or weariness (fatigue) that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other conditions.
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- Peripheral neuropathy
Disorder of the peripheral nerves (those nerves that are not directly linked to the brain and spinal cord), usually affecting the hands and feet. Peripheral neuropathy may also produce tingling, numbness, unusual sensations, weakness, or burning pain. It is most often caused by nerve damage from type 1 or type 2 diabetes , but can also result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, exposure to toxins, and prolonged alcoholism.
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- Peripheral vascular disease or Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Diminished circulation in the lower extremities due to constricted blood vessels or blood vessels blocked by deposits of plaque.
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- Restless Legs Syndrome
Neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them for relief.
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- Reynaud's Syndrome
A condition caused by narrowing of the arteries that limits blood supply to affected areas. This causes those areas of the body, especially the extremities, to feel numb and cool in response to cold temperatures or stress.
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- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
A condition caused by compression of the tibial nerve or its branches as it passes through the ankle area. A repetitive motion condition, it is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome of the wrist.
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Other possible causes of cold feet that occur less frequently than these include hormonal abnormalities, autoimmune disorders and certain types of medicines such as beta blockers for high blood pressure, ergotamine medications for migraine headaches, and cold medications that contain pseudoephedrine. If you have cold feet for more than a few days, see your physician as a precautionary measure.
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| Socks for Cold Feet |
We recommend these socks for cold feet:
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I was sorely lacking in winter gear and had to buy a lot of new stuff for my cruise to South America and Antarctica. My feet get cold almost instantly and these kept them quite warm. The best part is that they are so thin, I can easily wear them everyday whether it's at my cold office or digging out from under 2 feet of snow.
Perfect for cold weather when
