Even on the warmest days or during your most intense workout, it is not uncommon for some individuals to notice that their feet feel cold and sweaty. Do you feel a sense of similarity in this? This is a phenomenon that many people encounter at some stage in their lives.
Walk a mile in those shoes, and you will understand that feeling cold and clammy feet leaves one feeling uneasy and nervous. There is, however, an explanation for this issue. It is a common enough annoyance that many people can find answers for and overcome. Armed with such knowledge, why suffer needlessly?
Don’t worry. Having cold clammy feet is a common occurrence and like many medical conditions, it too has many possible causes. Let’s take a step toward understanding what causes cold clammy feet and how they can be treated.
Common Causes of Cold Clammy Feet
Again, the feeling of cold clammy feet is an uncomfortable condition that can arise for various reasons. Cold clammy feet can occur due to multiple causes, some of which can be found among the most common.
To begin with, blood might be improperly circulating in your system. Because less oxygen is transported to the less used parts of the body; along with the filtered body fluids, one’s extremities can get pretty cold pretty quickly.
Another cause could be anxiety or stress. In most cases, one’s emotional or mental state may cause stress, therefore leading to sweaty and chilly feet.
Your surroundings are also a contributing factor in this issue. Something as basic as surviving in cold conditions could lead to clammy feet makes sense if one takes my condition into account – perspiring feet from cold surfaces.
Last but not least dehydration is one of the causes too. Your feet and hands get cold when oxygen and moisture-rich fluids are absent from other bodily areas.
Hormonal changes, especially in women during their menstrual cycle or menopause, can lead to changes in body temperature and as a result, a clammy and cold feeling that is uncomfortable.
Medical Conditions that May Cause Cold Clammy Feet
There are various medical conditions that present cold and clammy feet, one being peripheral artery disease or PAD which affects the blood flow to the extremities leading to cold feet.
Hypothyroidism is another condition that might lead to cold feet as the thyroid produces fewer hormones, affecting body temperature regulation and circulation.
Diabetes is yet another factor in the development of cold clammy feet. High blood sugar level causes diabetic neuropathy which can lead to cold, damp-feeling feet.
Maybe it is Raynaud’s phenomenon. It involves restricted blood vessels around the toes and fingers which lead to temperature fluctuations and pain.
Lastly, if one is even just anxious or has a panic attack, hyperhidrosis can occur which is excessive sweating leading to clammy feet.
Lifestyle Factors that Contribute to Cold Clammy Feet
People with circulatory disorders are most likely to be sedentary. The long duration of staying in the same position is likely to restrict blood flow which could result in cold clammy feet. Diet is another contributing factor as well.
Any overconsumption of caffeine or alcohol can make it hard for the body to keep an even temperature. It becomes difficult for warmth to reach the extremities as these substances constrict vessels. Stress and anxiety are yet another set of factors.
Stress causes a situation in itself where the body assumes, it needs protection and as such, blood flows to the internal organs which leaves the extremities such as the feet, cold and damp. Bad choices of footwear also count. Wearing shoes that do not allow air circulation or are non-insulated could lead to dampness of feet during cool weather.
Remedies and Treatment Options for Cold Clammy Feet
For people who experience cold clammy feet, there are options that help to alleviate some of these problems. First, clinical studies have shown that warm baths for the feet will relieve stress, especially for those who tend to get warm feet and calm down most often.
Mixing warm water with Epsom salts and soaking the feet in it for a while helps relax muscle fibers and allows for increased blood circulation.
Try to wear moisture-wicking socks that have breathable materials. They help maintain the temperature as well as moisture on the feet during the day.
You can also benefit from the slight physical activity in your daily routine. For example, wiggling the toes or rotating the ankles helps the blood in the body flow, thus making one warmer.
Internally, ginger or even peppermint tea may be beneficial as well. These types of drinks when consumed have a calming effect and encourage better blood circulation.
Diet is also an important factor that is required to maintain equilibrium. Emphasize an iron-rich diet such as greens, and lean meats in order to increase red blood cell production.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience these conditions for a long time and have persistent cold clammy feet without improving in the warming methods, consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is warranted.
People with peripheral or central circulatory disease should pay attention to these issues including numbness, tingling, or pain. These can indicate some issues with blood circulation of the body, that need addressing.
Changes in the network of the skin including sudden color change, and texture changes are also issues of concern. It is important that such medical advice be sought immediately for reasons of pale bluish feet with low-temperature skin.
In situations of heart problems or diabetes history, one must not wait and hesitate to consult in case of experiencing such symptoms.
Better results can be obtained when there are early intervention measures taken. Trust your instinct always, it is, unfortunately, easier said than done, especially in terms of health. Since your feet have great importance in mobility, they are equally important in health.
Taking Care of Your Feet for Optimal Health
The health of your feet should be prioritized to achieve general well-being. If you have cold clammy and sweaty feet, it may be an indication that either the outside conditions or even worse, the body is sick.
Many of the problems that people have with their feet nowadays can be avoided in the first place if the concerned persons had known what to do and what not to do. Simple changes like the right shoes or managing some simple exercises can be simply of huge use.
If such self-management fails or such symptoms start developing that are worse than those, professional help should be taken. Regular appointments not only assist in the diagnosis of problems at the onset but also help in maintaining your feet healthy and vibrant.
