Cold Feet

Cold sensations on the feet and toes can be caused by a drop in temperature or by a number of different diseases and disorders. The most common causes are poor circulation, hypothyroidism, disorders of the nervous system, diabetes and injuries from prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures (frostbite, for example). Other diseases that may cause cold feet include arteriosclerosis, neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease and Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Usually the sensation of having cold feet is harmless, but frequently feeling like you have cool or numb feet could be a sign of a disease or serious health condition, so it’s best to get checked out by a podiatrist or health care provider — especially if your cold feet are accompanied by chest pains, loss of sensation and shortness of breath.