Fancy-Feet.com

Why Are My Feet So Cold?

Warm feet are the product of good circulation. Warmth is brought to the foot by way of arterial blood flow. Warm blood nourishes the tissue of the leg and foot providing oxygen and stabilizing the body temperature. The most obvious reason for cold feet is a decrease in normal circulation. Many folks with compromised circulation describe feeling cold feet not only in the winter months but year round.

Another consideration in keeping the feet warm is heat loss. There's a number of ways that the body looses heat. Heat can be lost by conduction. Water is a great conductor of heat. Heat is also lost by windy conditions (convection) and contacting a cooler surface (radiation) such as standing on snow. And forget all the old tales about peppermint schnapps. Alcohol, hunger, anemia and cardiovascular disease all make you more susceptible to heat loss and cold weather injury.

Here's a few tips to protect yourself from the cold this year.

Be sure your feet are dry. Perspiration is the single most common contributing factor with cold feet. Frequent changes of socks, rotating shoes and using a drying solution on the feet is essential in limiting the amount of moisture surrounding the foot.

Wear loose shoes. In an attempt to make the feet warmer we'll wear thicker socks. The tighter the shoe, the greater the constriction of blood flow to the feet and toes.

Avoid caffeine. Caffeine is a drug found in many of our popular drinks. Caffeine gives us that little kick to get us going in the morning. But caffeine is also a potent vasoconstrictor, meaning that it will constrict the blood flow to the fingers and toes.

Wear a hat. No, I haven't talked to your mom, but your mom was right. 30% of heat loss is from the head. Wear a hat and your feet will be warmer.

Jeffrey A. Oster, DPM, C.Ped is a board certified foot and ankle surgeon. Dr. Oster is also board certified in pedorthics. Dr. Oster is medical director of Myfootshop.com and is in active practice in Granville, Ohio.