When the temperature drops, many of us experience the discomfort of cold feet and sometimes also chilly toes and fingers. While cold extremities are commonly dismissed as normal occurrences that aren’t cause for concern, frequent coldness in the feet can potentially be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), which can affect circulation in the limbs.
Cold feet can occur for various reasons, ranging from poor thyroid function to medical conditions that affect the nerves and blood vessels.
Poor circulation is one of the primary culprits behind chronically cold feet. When blood flow to the feet and hands is restricted, such as in the case of peripheral artery disease, it can lead to reduced warmth and sensation in the feet, fingers and toes.
Factors contributing to cold feet can include:
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): A condition characterized by narrowing or a blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the extremities that can lead to reduced blood flow and coldness in the feet and legs.
- Nerve Damage: Conditions like diabetes or neuropathy can damage the nerves responsible for regulating blood flow and temperature in the feet, resulting in persistent coldness.
- Raynaud’s Disease: A disorder causing small blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow in response to cold, caffeine or stress, leading to reduced blood flow. As a result, there may be skin discoloration of the toes and fingers. This is typically a benign condition and more common in women.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can slow down metabolism and blood circulation, contributing to general feelings of coldness, including cold feet.
- Anemia: Low iron levels in the blood can impair oxygen transport, leading to coldness and numbness in the extremities.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
PAD is a common circulatory problem that occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, typically in the legs and feet. Less often, about 10% of the time, PAD causes symptoms affecting the upper body (hands, arms and fingers).
Some people don’t experience any noticeable signs of PAD, but when symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Cold feet or legs
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Leg pain or cramping, particularly during activities and when walking
- Slow-healing wounds or ulcers on the feet or legs
- Fatigue felt in the lower body
- Changes in skin color or temperature in the affected limb
Causes of PAD often include atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries, as well as risk factors such as older age, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease.
Prevention and treatment of PAD involve lifestyle modifications similar to those used to manage heart disease, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet and managing underlying health conditions.
In severe cases, medications or interventions for PAD, such as angioplasty (a minimally invasive procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked arteries, typically by inserting and inflating a balloon-like device) or bypass surgery (a procedure to restore blood flow by “bypassing” the blockage), are necessary to restore blood flow to the affected limbs.
When to See a Doctor for Cold Feet (or Hands)
If you experience persistent coldness in your feet or notice any concerning symptoms associated with peripheral artery disease, such as numbness, cramping or slow-healing wounds in the limbs, it’s important to see your doctor for an evaluation.
Cold feet accompanied by other symptoms like pain or skin changes can potentially indicate an underlying vascular issue that requires medical attention. Your doctor can perform a thorough examination, order diagnostic tests, and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Assessment
To take a quick, free assessment to help you learn whether you are at risk for PAD and receive a report to take to your doctor, click here.
Stony Brook’s board-certified vascular specialists offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of vascular disorders, including peripheral arterial disease, aortic aneurysms, carotid artery disease, arteriovenous malformations, dialysis access, and venous diseases. Our proactive management approach features early interventions and advanced therapies designed to enhance patients’ quality of life. With outcomes ranked among the best nationally, our team provides thorough, timely diagnoses and personalized treatment plans to manage risk factors, prevent emergencies, and ultimately save lives. We have locations in Commack, Centereach, Holbrook, Riverhead, Hampton Bays, Mattituck and Southampton. For new patients, call (631) 638-1670.
