Why Are My Feet Always Cold?

(And When It Might Be a Circulation Issue)

Ever find yourself wearing fuzzy socks while everyone else is barefoot? Or layering up under a blanket just to warm up your toes?

You're not alone—and no, you're not just being dramatic. Cold feet are a common complaint, especially here in New England. But while chilly toes can sometimes be harmless, they can also point to a bigger issue—like poor circulation.

Let’s break it down.

First, Why Do Feet Get Cold So Easily?

Your feet are the farthest point from your heart. That means it takes a little more work for warm, oxygen-rich blood to reach them. So, it’s totally normal to feel some coldness in your feet once in a while—especially:

• After being outside in the cold

• When you're barefoot on tile or hardwood floors

• If you’re not moving around much (sitting at a desk all day, for example)

But if your feet feel cold all the time—even when the rest of your body is warm—there may be more going on.

When Cold Feet Could Be a Sign of Poor Circulation

If your blood isn’t flowing the way it should, your feet may not be getting enough warmth or oxygen. That’s when you might start to notice symptoms like:

• Cold, numb, or tingly feet

• A pale or bluish color in your toes

• Slower healing from cuts or scrapes

• Pain in your legs or feet when walking

These are signs your circulation may not be keeping up. And that’s something you don’t want to ignore.

Common Causes of Circulation Problems in the Feet

There are a few reasons blood flow might not be reaching your feet properly:

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

This happens when your arteries get narrowed or blocked, usually due to plaque buildup. It can limit blood flow to your legs and feet—and yes, it’s more common as we age.

Diabetes

High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to poor circulation and loss of feeling in the feet.

Raynaud’s Disease

This condition makes blood vessels in the fingers and toes spasm, usually triggered by cold or stress. It can cause your toes to turn white or blue and feel ice cold.

When Cold Feet Are Not a Big Deal

Sometimes, cold feet are just... cold feet. Maybe your shoes are too thin. Maybe your home is a little drafty. Or maybe your metabolism is a bit slower than average.

If there are no other symptoms, and warming up your feet helps, you probably don’t need to worry.

But...

When to See a Podiatrist

If cold feet are paired with any of these signs, it’s time to get checked out:

• Numbness or tingling

• Skin color changes in your feet or toes

• Cramping in your legs while walking

• Foot wounds that heal slowly

• Pain even when you’re resting

We can run simple, non-invasive tests right here in the office to check your circulation and make sure there’s no serious issue underneath.

How We Can Help at Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH

We’re not just here for bunions and toenail trouble (though we help with those, too). Our team can assess your circulation, review your symptoms, and help create a care plan that gets warm blood flowing again.

And hey—we’ve seen it all. Whether you’re worried about something serious or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help you feel better from the ground up.

Final Thought

Cold feet aren’t always a sign of something dangerous—but they can be. If your toes are constantly icy, especially with other symptoms, don’t ignore it. Let’s figure it out together.

Still wondering what’s behind your cold feet?
Schedule a visit today and let’s warm things up—for good.