What causes cold feet?
When our body thinks its core temperature is too low, it will send nerve messages to the blood vessels at the extremities (hands, feet, nose, ears) to tell them to constrict, sending the warm blood to the central organs. This is a normal homeostasis function, and the reverse occurs when we are too warm, dilating the blood vessels to cool down. However this normal function can be too efficient in certain circumstances. Raynauds disease is the name given to a heightened over exaggerated response to cold. Sometimes we don’t even need to feel cold. The vibration from the steering wheel when driving can trigger this in our hands, and cause white numb-feeling fingers. Raynauds is a relatively common condition alone. But it is also part of the symptoms of other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other auto-immune disorders.
Cold feet can also be caused by smoking, as an immediate reaction to nicotine is for the extremity’s blood vessels to constrict. It can also be caused by some medications such as beta blockers.
What can I do to help?
Stopping smoking and considering changing your medication might be necessary. If neither of these things is a problem, then you need to warm up your body. Trying to warm your feet will not work, as the issue is your core temperature, or at least your body’s perception of it. If you warm up cold feet before the blood supply has reestablished itself, you put yourself at risk of chilblains. These are very painful and itchy. If simple warming of body measures do not help and your condition is severe, you may like to consider treatment. Check out www.sruk.co.uk for more information on how to keep warm and what treatments are available. A simple start is nifedipine, a medication which causes dilation of blood vessels. Because this will lower your blood pressure a bit, it is not suitable for those with low BP. Your GP will need to prescribe this for you. There are also other medications and specialist treatments available if needed.
How do I treat my chilblain?
If you have already developed a chilblain, it will take a little bit of time for it to settle naturally. Whilst waiting for this, you can make yourself more comfortable by applying an anti-inflammatory gel like Ibuleve or Voltarol 3x a day for a week or two. Also try to keep your toes cool, as the chilblains will hurt and itch more when your feet get warm. To prevent future ones, don’t put your feet near a heat source when you are cold, warm your body up and your feet will gradually join in!
Got further questions or need more advice on taking care of your feet? Contact our team on 01603 737188 or contact us online here and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
