Some people feel that they can never get their feet to warm up. This may mean that their feet always feel cold to the touch, cold to the individual, or both. This is oftentimes due to poor circulation throughout the body, especially to one’s feet. There are some medical conditions that cause poor circulation, but daily behaviors can also influence the severity of one’s cold feet. Examples of these behaviors are exercising, smoking, and drinking. Exercising has a positive impact on regulating the temperature of your feet, while smoking and drinking have the opposite effect. In most cases, cold feet are at most a nuisance and can be remedied with simple changes like wearing thicker socks. Although, there are cases where cold feet coupled with certain symptoms may mean that something more serious is going on. If you have cold feet as well as sores on your feet, extreme fatigue, unexplained weight changes, fever, or joint pain, then it is recommended you consult a podiatrist to fully understand what is going on.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.