Do you suffer with cold feet?
Do you suffer with cold feet? In this post we look at the causes of cold feet.
Some people are plagued with having cold feet through the winter. It can be uncomfortable, but it can also be painful if you then develop chilblains. Cold feet can be an indicator of cardio vascular disease, but they can also be simply what you were born with. Either way, it helps to know how to keep them warm and well insulated.
Here are some causes of cold feet and some simple steps to avoiding freezing feet:
Wear appropriate footwear for the time of year.
It may seem obvious, but we do see people wearing thin soled shoes in January when there’s a threat of snow outside. The thicker the sole, the better insulator it is between you and the cold ground. Boots lined with sheepskin are great, and adding insoles makes a big difference, as long as there’s sufficient room.
Think what hosiery will keep you warm.
Cotton should be worn in the summer, as it’s good at absorbing moisture and keeping feet cool. Wool is for winter and will insulate. Look for alpaca or merino wool for extra warmth. Layers trap the heat. A thin layer, such as silk next to the skin, takes up no room and makes a big difference. Exercise gets your circulation going so don’t sit for too long, get up and move. Increase your heart rate and your feet should warm up. Many people get cold feet sitting in the evening, so wrap a blanket around your
feet, or invest in some sheepskin slippers.
The golden rule for cold feet is, don’t put them near heat to warm them up, as you can damage your blood vessels and develop a chilblain. Add layers and give them a good massage to get the blood flowing again. If you have any concerns about your circulation, or want some helpful advice, then make an appointment to see us. We are trained to assess circulation, and we keep our knowledge up to date by attending relevant courses.
To make an appointment at the Knowle and Dorridge Foot Clinic please click here to get in touch.