Suffering from cold feet, especially at night, is one of the most common problems many people experience. The uncomfortable cold feeling on your feet may deter you from relaxing and enjoying your sleep.
Usually, the quality of your sleep will suffer as you will have a lot of time to catch some sleep. And when you wake up the following morning, rather than feeling wide awake and fresh, you feel sluggish.
If you always feel this way at night and in the morning, it is best to talk to a doctor. Your doctor will recommend remedies to stop cold feet.
How Cold Feet Affect the Body
Suffering cold feet may make you very uncomfortable. The other parts of your body could feel warm, but your feet aren’t. In addition, you may experience mild or severe pain until your feet warm up.
Cold feet might be temporary. However, it is best to visit your doctor to ensure the cold feet are symptoms of the underlying condition.
What Causes Cold Feet?
There are many causes of cold feet, including cold temperatures. When you step into a colder place, your blood vessels in the feet will start to constrict. This minimizes the flow of blood to those areas, reducing the heat amount your body loses. For this, you can keep the footsies warm to stop your cold feet.
Another cause is diabetes. If you are suffering from diabetes and already know someone who has it, you know that the condition may cause neuropathy. Diabetes happens when your body doesn’t use or produce insulin properly. Over time, a high level of glucose may damage your nerves, leading to issues sensing temperature and pain. Apart from diabetes and cold temperatures, other causes may include:
- Arterial disease
- Anemia
- Raynaud’s disease
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
Protecting your Feet
As the temperatures go down, increase your foot-care regimen. There are several ways that can help you protect yourself against cold feet. Some of these ways may include the following:
- Wear Shoes with Proper Traction
When going outside, ensure your shoes have a low heel and proper traction to prevent falls and slips. In addition, ensure your footwear is insulated and water-resistant, forming a barrier between harsh elements and your feet.
- Choose the Right Socks
Most people think that thick socks or wearing layering is a perfect solution to stop cold feet. However, the truth is that they create pressure on the feet, cutting the flow of blood around your feet. So to keep the feet dry and warm, choose the right socks, which are medium-thick, moisture-wicking, and breathable.
- Be Active
If you notice that cold is creeping into your feet, consider jumping jacks, running, or taking a walk. Physical activities help to increase blood flow to your toes, eventually boosting your body’s temperature. In addition, it can improve your mood and increase your energy level.
The bottom line, many people experience cold feet at some point in life. However, if you think that the condition might be a symptom of something serious, schedule an appointment with a doctor to recommend the best steps to take.