home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- $Unique_ID{BRK02155}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Constant Cold Feet}
- $Subject{Cold Feet warm circulation circulatory problems moisture water
- Perspiration exercise muscles blood vessels numbness pale frostbitten tepid
- water vessels massage calf thigh socks treatment}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- Constant Cold Feet
-
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- QUESTION: My feet are always cold. I mention this to my doctor at every
- visit, but she says there's nothing wrong. That doesn't change anything; I am
- still cold. What can I do to keep my feet warm?
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: If your doctor has ruled out circulatory problems as the cause of
- your cold feet, then it is up to you to take certain precautions to prevent
- the discomfort that comes with cold feet. Many people get chilled feet
- because of moisture. If cold water seeps into your shoes, it is naturally
- warmed to the temperature of your foot. The warming of the water makes the
- foot lose heat, leaving it feeling cold.
- Perspiration due to sweat from exercise can have the same chilling effect
- on feet. When feet are cold for prolonged periods, the muscles contract and
- blood vessels may shut down. This reduces the flow of blood and causes
- numbness. Your feet may also become pale. In extremely cold weather, feet
- may become frostbitten.
- The best way to rewarm cold feet is to soak them in tepid water (about 90
- degrees F). Do not use hot water, as this could damage blood vessels. In
- order to stimulate the blood flow through your feet, massage your calf or
- thigh. Or better yet, have someone do this for you. This will help the flow
- of blood, increase the circulation, thus warming your chilled tissues. Wear
- warm socks, without elastic tops that can also block the circulation. If ever
- there comes a time when you aren't able to rid yourself of the numbness or the
- color of your feet don't return to normal within 30 minutes, it's time to give
- your doctor another call, and have her examine you while the problem is still
- actually there.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-