How to Treat Cold Feet

Nobody likes cold feet! With winter fast approaching, regulating foot temperature and keeping cozy is top of mind. At BioPed we have countless different options to combat cold feet! Discover some of the more common conditions that can affect your feet and what can be done to help.

Raynaud’s disease

Raynaud’s disease causes smaller arteries that supply blood flow to the skin to narrow in response to cold or stress. The affected body parts, usually fingers and toes, may turn white or blue and feel cold and numb until blood flow improves, usually when you get warm.

Chilblains

This condition is a reaction to cold air that causes a painful inflammation of the blood vessels in the skin. With chilblains, the skin can become itchy, feel like its burning and becomes red in appearance.

Frostbite

Frostbite is an injury to the skin caused by the cold. Just like anything, the colder the skin gets, the more likely it is to freeze. Frostbite typically affects the distal extremities (fingers, toes, ears and nose) more as the blood are smaller, which is why the feet are at risk! As frostbite gets worse, the damage and freezing of the skin gets deeper. It starts as frostnip, which begins with irritation of the skin and turns to numbness as the skin starts to change colour. As it gets more serious from there, blisters may start to form and joints/muscles may stop working. If you suspect you have frostbite, seek medical attention immediately.

Arterial disease

Peripheral Arterial Disease can cause feet to feel cold because the blood vessels have narrowed or are completely blocked. Tell tale signs of arterial disease are cool to touch feet, pain or cramping in the legs with activity, loss of hair on ankles and toes, and skin on the foot that is thin and shiny. Your family doctor or nurse practitioner can request studies to assess blood flow and may refer you to a Vascular Surgeon if necessary.

What can you do to combat the effects of the cold?

Socks! 

Socks are always the best place to start. As temperatures start to drop, making sure your socks are appropriate to the weather is essential. Looking into materials like merino wool can be key to keeping your feet warm and cozy as winter continues on. Even compressions socks can be a good idea to help with circulation if arterial blood flow is good. At BioPed we have well-trusted brands like Sigvaris, Jobst and Achi for all your sock needs! Avoid walking barefoot at home or outdoors, especially on cold weather days.

Shoes!

A proper shoe can be the difference between staying dry and getting wet! Having a shoe that protects your feet from the elements is important as the wetter the feet get, the colder they get as temperatures drop. When looking for shoes or boots it’s important to look for waterproof shoes and those lined with materials made for warmth. But don’t forget about what you wear inside – a warm sock is key! Around the home, floors can be cool and slips and falls are more likely without protection and grip. A good slipper is crucial to supporting the feet, preventing falls and keeping the toes warm throughout the day.
For example; a shoe for outdoor use with Goretex will help you stay dry and we love the BioTime slippers for indoor use.

Footlogix cold feet formula!

This cream has been proven to help the body with skin circulation and provide warmth to the skin. It is a mousse version of a cream, which is absorbed through the skin quickly, making it non-greasy and not slippery. It is just one extra tool that you can use to keep those feet toasty!