Causes of Cold Legs and Feet
Cold legs and feet are caused by poor blood circulation to these areas. Aside from the different nutrients that the blood carries, it also conducts heat. There are different factors linked why this happens.
Why Are My Legs Cold?
Causes of cold foot or finger are poor blood circulation due to:
- Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) – this condition may be caused by spasms of the peripheral blood vessels or anatomical changes such as inflammation or damage.
- Tobacco smoking – the toxins from tobacco causes significant changes such as constricting the peripheral blood vessels.
- Obesity
- Insufficient exercise
- Improper diet
- Above normal blood pressure
- Increased cholesterol blood levels
- Diabetes
- Prolonged periods of sitting
- Pregnancy
Cold Legs Symptoms
Aside from the feeling of coldness in feet, you may also experience the following:
- Shooting pain in the legs
- Cramping or your legs being easily tired
- Foot pain that resolves with rest
- Swelling of the leg or feet
- Inability to move your leg for a short time
- Cold legs may also come from blood clots that hamper the circulation. This will cause bluish or violet discoloration.
Treatment For Cold Legs
The treatment focuses on controlling or eliminating the causes. It includes the following:
- Avoid tobacco smoking.
- Eat nutritious foods.
- Increase your good cholesterol and lessen the bad. Eat foods high in omega fatty acids such as tuna and other fortified foods.
- Keep your blood pressure at normal levels.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. This is enough to keep a good blood circulation.
- Keep your legs and feet covered with comfort clothes and keep them warm. Avoid going out in cold weather to prevent aggravation of any symptoms present.