The feet are the roots of the human being. They affect his health and well-being more than is generally known. Cold feet not only put you in a bad mood and cause discomfort, they also prevent you from falling asleep.
Causes
With cold feet begins many a disorder of the circulatory system, but even more so a cold, a solid cold or flu. With cold feet begins many a disorder of the circulatory system, but even more so a cold, a solid cold or flu. Cold feet can also be a chronic appendage of people with poor circulation and anemia. Then they belong to medical treatment. For many, cold feet are a symptom of civilization. The lack of movement of our time plays a considerable role. Also the inadequate footwear, starting from stockings made of plastic fibers in winter and too light and too tight footwear. Of course, the season and weather conditions also play a considerable role. Wet feet, especially in snowy or dewy weather, are dreaded and dangerous. Likewise, sweaty feet can cause cold feet with all their side effects due to constant heat extraction as a result of evaporative cold. Sweaty feet do not have to be, they can be easily stopped without health disadvantages, as is often falsely claimed. An old proverb rightly says: keep feet warm and head cold, and you will grow old.
Diseases with this symptom
- Mineral deficiency
- Scleroderma
- Arteriosclerosis
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- Trauma
- Meningitis
- Hypothermia (frostbite)
- Iron deficiency
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes mellitus
Complications
Complications of cold feet include a persistent feeling of cold and discomfort. Locomotion is perceived as uncomfortable, as the mobility of the foot is limited. A numb and at the same time stiffened feeling in the affected region sets in. Cold feet are an indication of low blood pressure or general circulatory problems. These are associated with slowed reaction and limitations of attention. In many cases, the hands are also cold. Other complications include hormonal imbalances or infectious diseases. Discoloration, swelling or severe pain are indications of other diseases. There may be vascular occlusion in severe cases. There is a risk of thrombosis or stroke. Medications that stimulate blood circulation or are given to treat an infection have some side effects. They include sleep disturbances, restlessness and nervousness. Gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, and headaches are possible complications. If caffeine is given to increase blood pressure, fine motor skills are impaired in some people. A permanent habituation effect occurs, reducing the desired effect. Caffeine therapy is not recommended for pregnant women. In the case of treatment of existing hormone disorders, the change in contraceptive methods used must be taken into account in order to continue to ensure protection against pregnancy. Mood swings, listlessness and listlessness may occur.
When should you see a doctor?
Cold feet are generally harmless and do not necessarily need to be treated. A visit to the doctor is recommended if the feet remain cold even in warm temperatures or in thick socks. If there are also accompanying symptoms such as tingling, dizziness or pain, there may be a circulatory disorder or anemia. Chronically cold limbs indicate low blood pressure and should also be medically clarified. This is especially true if there is accompanying fatigue, chronic fatigue and other physical and mental complaints. In the case of cramps, skin changes or fever, there is a suspicion of a serious underlying condition that should be clarified immediately. If a foot or leg suddenly becomes cold and painful, the emergency services should be alerted. There may be a life-threatening embolism or venous thrombosis. Arteriosclerosis, diabetes and various heart diseases also make themselves felt through cold limbs.Warning signs of a serious cause include swelling, a numbing cold sensation and bluish discoloration of the feet. If the cause of the discomfort is unclear, the patient should speak with their primary care physician for further clarification.
Treatment and prevention
Anyone suffering from chronically cold feet should remember the following: Never get into shoes in the morning with feet that are still cold, and never go to bed in the evening with feet that are still cold. Effective help is generally achieved with the following applications:
- By hot foot baths, preferably with added salt or hay flower extract,
- By self-massage of the feet with warm oil,
- By vigorous brushing or toweling with a massage cloth,
- By treading water, about 2 minutes in cold water, then with warmed massage towel vigorously forcing the feet until a reddening of the skin occurs,
- Through intensive foot gymnastics of the unclothed feet,
- By wearing wool socks and sheep’s wool insoles,
- By wearing not too tight, possibly lined shoes or boots.
Cold feet do not always have to be a disease. They can almost always be eliminated with the listed tools. They do require some effort and effort, but you will be rewarded with comfort, good sleep and better health. If you have to spend hours outdoors in cold weather, whether standing, walking or sitting, and are bothered by cold feet, you can do something about it by reflex. Here often the well-known ABC plaster helps. Half of the usual plaster size is enough. One warms the adhesive layer freed from the protection sheet before over a burning candle or over a hot plate. One can put also the ABC plaster before on the warm heating. So warmed one sticks it on the Kreuzbeingegend. The intensive warmth effect begins then immediately. Reflectorisch then the legs up to the foot points are better supplied by increased blood circulation and warming, which expresses itself in a feeling of pleasant warmth. This effect then lasts for several hours.
Outlook and prognosis
Cold feet are a problem that occurs during the winter months and preferentially in women. Anyone who has constantly cold feet, even in summer, should be examined by a doctor, because there may be a disease behind it. In most cases, however, the reason for icy feet lies in the outside world. When temperatures drop, feet and hands cool down especially quickly because the body throttles the transport of warm blood toward the extremities. Warm socks and gloves help compensate for heat loss. Constrictive clothing such as socks with tight cuffs and tight school impede blood circulation and make it more difficult to balance heat. Soft stockings with loose cuffs and comfortable shoes are therefore more helpful. Synthetic clothing, on the other hand, can prevent healthy heat balance. Wool clothing is ideal in winter because it balances temperature, cooling in the heat and warming in the cold. After spending time outdoors, a warm foot bath or a full bath helps. However, because the blood vessels are dilated, warm clothing is mandatory afterwards. The hot water bottle is a tried and tested remedy that quickly warms up cold feet. Hot spices also stimulate the metabolism and can warm the whole body. Hot drinks and soups have a similar effect, as they stimulate blood circulation. Women are more likely to have cold feet than men because their muscle content is lower on average. Muscles produce heat.
What you can do yourself
Cold feet can be prevented with numerous home remedies. Helpful is treading water, which should be applied twice a day. Here, warm water should be used – either as a foot bath or in the bathtub. Afterwards, those affected should rinse their legs with cold water from the knees up. This measure promotes blood circulation, which helps against cold feet. A hot foot bath in the evening is also recommended. Those affected should add some wood ash and two tablespoons of salt. Cold feet will soon be a thing of the past if this method is used regularly. Cold feet can also be counteracted with a hedgehog ball. To stimulate blood circulation, the massage should be performed for ten minutes. If the cold feet first become noticeable in bed, it is advisable to pinch the affected foot in the hollow of the knee. Bath additives are also excellent for warming up cold feet.Eucalyptus, spruce needle, rosemary and horse chestnut are worth mentioning here. All of them stimulate the blood circulation. Foot exercises, which should always be performed in the morning and evening while sitting for ten minutes, are also useful. Those affected should first stretch their toes. Then they should let the joints rotate. At the end, those affected should pull their feet in and stretch them out again.
