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Why Are My Feet Always Cold?
Hands and Feet: Causes & Remedies
Why are my feet always cold? Why are my hands always cold? If you constantly feel like your extremities are freezing—even in warm weather—you’re not alone. Cold feet and hands can be caused by a range of issues, from poor circulation and nerve sensitivity to underlying conditions like hypothyroidism, anemia, or Raynaud’s disease. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress, or even sitting too long can also play a role. In this article, we review the most common causes, what your symptoms might mean, and practical steps you can take to warm up. Plus, we highlight when it’s time to seek professional help, including expert care from Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell & Bloomfield, MI.
Cold hands and feet? Why do cold feet sting in hot water?
Poor blood flow (circulation) in your legs and feet causes cold feet. Poor blood flow means that it takes longer for the blood to reach your feet. Your blood travels through pathways (blood vessels) in your circulatory system. These pathways can close, harden and narrow, making it difficult for blood to flow steadily.
Why are my feet sweating but are cold? Why are my feet cold at night?
Cold feet could be a sign of an underlying condition. Several conditions that affect blood flow include:
- Autoimmune conditions (anemia).
- Heart disease.
- Hormonal changes (hypothyroidism).
- Narrow artery blockages or constricted blood vessels.
- Nerve conditions (fibromyalgia).
- Peripheral artery disease.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon.
0:00 Why are my hands and feet always cold?
0:50 Cold feet meaning?
1:10 Cold feet causes?
1:45 Why is my body warm, but my feet are cold & when to worry?
2:08 why are my feet always cold: Nerve damage
2:40 Circulation problems and what deficiency causes cold feet?
3:30 What is cold feet a sign of & a diagnosis
3:45 Blood clot
4:00 Swelling & Lymphedema video
5:00 Nerve damage and deficiencies of vitamins
5:45 What deficiency causes cold hands and feet? Anemia & Nerve Damage
6:05 Raynaud’s disease
6:30 Diagnosis
7:00 Treatment
7:30 Compression socks
10:30 Fasting & Weight loss
Understanding Cold Feet: Causes and Remedies
Cold feet might seem like a minor annoyance, but for many people, they’re a persistent issue that can signal underlying health concerns. While it’s normal for feet to feel chilly in cold weather, constantly cold feet—especially when the rest of the body feels warm—can be a sign that something deeper is going on. Understanding the root causes is the first step toward finding lasting relief.
One of the most common causes of cold feet is poor circulation. When blood flow to the extremities is restricted, the feet don’t receive enough warm blood to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can happen due to several factors:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Diabetes
Sedentary lifestyle or prolonged sitting
Smoking
High cholesterol
Another culprit is nerve damage, or peripheral neuropathy. This condition often affects people with diabetes, but it can also result from other issues. Common causes of nerve-related cold feet include:
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Alcohol abuse
Exposure to toxins
Infections (e.g., Lyme disease)
Hypothyroidism
Stress and anxiety can play a surprising role too. When the body enters a “fight or flight” mode, blood is redirected away from the extremities toward vital organs. This can leave hands and feet feeling cold. Other contributing factors include:
Chronic stress
Panic attacks
Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause)
Certain medications that affect blood flow
Fortunately, there are several remedies that can help warm up cold feet and improve comfort. These include:
Regular cardiovascular exercise to boost circulation
Warm foot baths with Epsom salts
Wearing thermal or moisture-wicking socks
Using heated insoles or foot warmers
Avoiding smoking and managing cholesterol
If cold feet persist despite lifestyle changes, it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider. A podiatrist or vascular specialist can assess circulation, nerve function, and other factors to determine the best course of treatment. Medical interventions may include:
Blood tests to check thyroid and vitamin levels
Nerve conduction studies
Prescription medications
Physical therapy
Custom orthotics or compression socks
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Still Having Problem Why Your Feet Feels Cold? Consult Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell and Bloomfield.
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FAQ: Why Are My Feet Cold
Learn about circulation issues, nerve conditions, and other medical reasons behind persistently cold feet.
Understand when cold extremities are harmless and when they might signal a health concern.
Yes—discover how blood flow affects temperature and what you can do to improve it.
Explore how chronic conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism can lead to cold feet and hands.
Try simple solutions like warm foot baths, exercise, and proper socks to boost warmth.
Find out which symptoms—like numbness, discoloration, or pain—warrant medical attention.
Yes—learn how your nervous system responds to stress and affects body temperature.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell & Bloomfield, MI for personalized care and advanced treatment options.