Tips to Warm Cold Feet from Raynaud’s
On a hot day, even just dangling your feet and toes in cold water can cool you down. Cold feet can have an effect on the whole body. When it’s hot and you cool your feet on purpose, this can be a relaxing feeling. However, when your feet suddenly turn to ice because of Raynaud’s disease, that’s uncomfortable and you don’t want to leave them that way. You need to warm them up and restore your circulation so you don’t develop complications.
It’s actually not hard to warm your feet. You simply need to know what to do when the problem strikes. Raynaud’s disease causes cold feet because the blood vessels in your lower limbs suddenly spasm and squeeze, sharply limiting or even cutting off the blood supply to your feet and toes.
Warming them up involves restoring normal circulation. Keeping them that way means boosting your circulation in general. There are plenty of ways you can do that on your own:
- Get to a warm place – If you’re in a cold place or standing in cold water, leave and take your feet somewhere warm.
- Work on relaxing – Stress can trigger a Raynaud’s attack, so practice relaxing techniques to calm yourself down.
- Wiggle your toes – Movement stimulates blood flow to the area and may help your toes.
- Massage your feet – Massages also stimulate circulation. Rub and massage your feet to relax them and encourage better blood flow.
- Use warm water – Run warm, but not hot, water over your feet to regain circulation.
- Wear socks – Once your feet are no longer cold, keep them that way by wearing socks.
- Quit smoking – Smoking weakens circulation, so avoid tobacco to prevent Raynaud’s problems.
- Exercise regularly – Regular exercise boosts circulation, which helps to heat your feet.
Cold feet from Raynaud’s disease isn’t common, especially here in Arizona, but it can be a real pain for those it affects. Don’t just struggle through your day. Get warm and take care of your toes! If you’re not sure why your feet are cold, or you’d like more help managing Raynaud’s or other circulation problems, let us know at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona. Make an appointment online or call or fax us: dial (480) 963-9000 and fax (480) 963-0375.