Cold feet could be sign of circulatory problems
Editor’s Note: The following column was originally published on May 1, 2021.
Thanks to breakthroughs in medicine and nutrition in recent years, we are living longer than ever before. But this increase in life expectancy also brings an increase in the number of diseases, injuries and impairments that affect older adults. With this in mind, we at the local Visiting Angels office in Salem have created this series of articles to keep our older population and their families informed and to offer some practical advice for meeting the challenges faced by seniors and those who care for them.
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We often use the phrase “cold feet” to indicate apprehension or to describe someone who has changed their plans after having serious doubts about a given situation, but for many people “cold feet” means more than just a clever turn of phrase. For these people, cold feet could mean problems in their circulatory system, and they could be an indication of other underlying medical conditions.
It’s normal for our feet to feel cold when exposed to cold temperatures. The cold air narrows the blood vessels to the feet and hands, restricting the flow of blood to those extremities and causing them to feel colder, but sometimes, the feet can feel cold even when the surrounding temperature is not. In those cases, poor circulation may be a symptom of something else going on in the body.
Hardened arteries caused by high blood pressure, damaged blood vessels resulting from improperly treated diabetes, and peripheral artery disease caused by plaque buildup in the arteries are all medical conditions that can restrict the flow of blood through the blood vessels.
Other medical reasons for reduced circulation include Raynaud’s disease, which causes the blood vessels to narrow when cold or during times of stress; acrocyanosis, which causes the toes to turn blue from lack of oxygen; and Buerger’s disease, a form of vasculitis, inflammation of the blood vessels, which can be caused by smoking.
A doctor can help determine which, if any, of these medical conditions is to blame for cold feet and assist in creating a plan to treat the underlying causes. However, there are some ways to improve circulation, which can sometimes reduce the risks caused by underlying conditions and do not require a doctor’s orders.
Leg stretches, for example, can keep arteries from becoming stiff and improve circulation. It’s also a good idea to stand up and walk around after sitting for long periods at home or while working. Exercising regularly strengthens the heart and improves circulation throughout the body. Massaging the feet and legs can also help promote blood circulation.
Relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga can help lower stress levels and reduce the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease. Additionally, yoga stretches help improve poor circulation.
Many lifestyle choices can have an effect on circulation. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can both benefit from a healthy diet, and iron, folate and vitamin B12 have been shown to help improve circulation. Too much caffeine can increase stress levels and constrict blood vessels, making the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease worse. Alcohol can also constrict blood vessels.
Smoking is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease, resulting in about one in every four deaths from the disease, according to a 2014 report by the Surgeon General. Other studies have shown that smoking can lead to peripheral artery disease. Smokers are also at higher risk for Buerger’s disease, which can cause gangrene in some cases.
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Information provided by Visiting Angels, America’s choice in homecare. Visiting Angels non-medical homecare services allow people to continue enjoying the independence of their daily routines in familiar surroundings. To set up an appointment for a free in-home consultation, call 330-332-1203.