It’s not just the cold weather. Cold feet can occur for many reasons, including poor circulation in the lower legs and feet.
Cold sensations to the feet can come from poor circulation, disorders of the nervous system, cold exposure injuries such as frostbite, and decreased metabolism from a low thyroid condition (hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid).
🦋 Thyroid & Metabolism
If your feet are cold all the time, your thyroid may not be working properly and may not be producing enough hormones to regulate your metabolism (hypothyroidism). When your body's heat-generating ability is compromised, your hands and feet feel the effects first.
🩺 Circulation & PVD
Conditions such as Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) involve restricted blood flow due to arterial blockage or narrowing. This lack of warm blood reaching your extremities can leave your feet feeling persistently numb, stiff, or cold.
Watch for Accompanying Warning Signs
Depending on the underlying cause, coldness in the feet is rarely an isolated symptom. Be sure to pay close attention if the cold sensation is accompanied by any of the following:
- Persistent mild or shooting pain
- Loss of sensation or numbness
- Notable changes in skin color (pale, blue, or red)
- A constant “pins and needles” tingling sensation
- Difficulty healing minor cuts or scrapes
Persistent cold feet should never be ignored. Pay attention to how your feet look, how they heal, and most importantly, how they feel.
Book a Vascular & Neurological Foot Exam
If you are experiencing chronic cold feet, numbness, or tingling, our specialists can conduct detailed vascular screenings and neurological tests to discover the cause and restore healthy circulation.
Schedule Assessment