When we freeze, it usually has to do with the fact that the affected parts of the body are poorly supplied with blood because the blood does not circulate properly. This could be due to low blood pressure or a lack of physical fitness, for example. But cold also causes unbalanced blood circulation, especially in the hands and feet.
The Causes of Cold Feet
When the temperatures drop, the following scenario sets in Our body begins to protect the heart, brain, and other important organs. It concentrates heat in these organs and draws them away from “less important” body parts such as fingers and toes. The vessels that supply them narrow and less warm blood get to these parts of the body. The result: you get cold.
If you get wet in cold temperatures – be it rain, snow, or sweat – your feet will be particularly frosty. Anyone who does sports knows this: If the sweat is not drawn away from the skin, unpleasant evaporative cooling occurs. This external stimulus also constricts the blood vessels. The result: an undersupply of blood, which can lead to us freezing. Sweat-soaked shoes and socks also exacerbate the problem of “cold feet.”
This Is How Cold Feet Get Warm Again
With these tips, you can heat up your ice feet:
- Wear warm, thick socks. However, these should not be made of pure cotton. Cotton stockings soak up a sweat quickly, but do not release the moisture again. Better wool or a wool blend. Socks and stockings should not be too tight, otherwise, they could compress the blood vessels and thus interrupt blood circulation.
- Choose the right footwear: your shoes should be well-insulated and made of natural material to prevent sweating. Be careful not to wear shoes that are too tight. Change stockings and shoes when they are damp.
- Get blood circulation going by wiggling your toes, walking around, or jumping up and down. Do not cross your legs when sitting, as this interrupts the blood supply to the feet and lets them cool down.
- If you have cold feet at home, treat yourself to a warm foot bath. So-called ascending foot baths are particularly effective: They widen the constricted blood vessels and stimulate circulation. Gradually increase the water temperature from about 33 degrees to about 40 degrees by slowly pouring in warm water. Then rub the skin dry. Tip: Bath additives such as eucalyptus, rosemary, or spruce needles stimulate blood circulation.
- A foot massage also stimulates blood circulation. It is best to massage with special foot creams that contain substances that promote blood circulation.
- Place a hot water bottle at the foot of the bed when you sleep. This quickly melts the icicles on your feet.
- Not necessarily just before bed, but otherwise extremely effective when you are cold: spicy food. Spicy foods stimulate blood circulation and warm the whole body from the inside to the tips of the toes.
Prevent Cold Feet
Those who ensure stable circulation and good blood circulation will not freeze so quickly. So that you don’t get cold feet in the first place, it is advisable to shower alternately with hot and cold water every day. This stimulates blood circulation and hardens the organism. If you sit a lot all day, you should get up every now and then and do squats, for example, to pump blood to your legs and feet.
Even endurance sports, foot exercises, and regular visits to the sauna ensure a healthy blood flow and prevent rapid freezing.
A healthy, balanced diet low in fat and sugar can also prevent this. Smokers should try to keep their hands off cigarettes because nicotine constricts the blood vessels. Cold feet are the most harmless consequence.
Cold feet in winter are usually nothing to worry about. The reason for this is a protective mechanism in our body that automatically kicks in when it’s extremely cold so that no vital organs are damaged. Those who dress warmly, eat healthily, and exercise regularly are well-prepared to prevent frostbite on their feet.
When to Go to the Doctor
In the case of serious blood vessel diseases, such as those with diabetes or heavy smokers, however, cold feet can be a case for the doctor. Also, stress, hormonal imbalance, or mineral deficiencies can be triggers for cold feet, regardless of the season.
