While cold feet are often associated with reluctance to do something that makes you nervous, it can also be a symptom of an underlying health issue that may be related to poor blood circulation. The experienced team at North Atlanta Vascular Clinic, with offices in Suwanee/Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Cumming and Lawrenceville, Georgia, specializes in vascular health and recommends you come in for an examination if you’re experiencing the sensation of cold feet that doesn’t seem to be improving. Call today or book online.
Book OnlineCold feet are a symptom that causes your feet to feel cold to you, to the touch, or both. While it’s not uncommon for your feet to be cold from time to time, if your feet seem to always feel cold then it may be a sign of a medical condition that needs an evaluation from the experienced team at North Atlanta Vascular Clinic.
There are many reasons you may be experiencing cold feet, including issues that affect circulation to your legs or feet. Some of the most common causes of poor circulation that may lead to cold feet include:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
PAD occurs when the peripheral arteries in your legs become narrow due to a buildup of plaque. The arteries in the legs are most often affected, which may impair circulation to your feet, causing them to feel cold.
Vein disease
Also referred to as venous disease, vein disease refers to various issues that affect blood flow through your veins, including varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Like PAD, vein disease may affect circulation to your feet and affect temperature.
Although less common, Raynaud’s syndrome can also affect feet temperature. This rare condition causes narrowing of the blood vessels in your hands or feet when you’re cold or stressed.
If you have concerns about your cold feet, you should talk to your doctor about it. If circulation issues are suspected, your specialist at North Atlanta Vascular Clinic can conduct an examination to assess circulation. In addition to reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your specialist also conducts a physical exam and may recommend a venous ultrasound to further evaluate blood circulation.
Treatment for your cold feet depends on the underlying cause. For circulation issues, your specialist may recommend:
Your specialist may also recommend specific procedures, such as angioplasty for PAD or sclerotherapy for varicose veins, to improve blood circulation to your feet to reduce the cold sensation.
Cold feet may be a symptom of an underlying circulation issue. For a comprehensive examination, call North Atlanta Vascular Clinic today or request an appointment online.