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What Causes Cold Feet Despite Wearing Socks?

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Posted on Thu, 23 Jun 2016
Question: What is the cause of cold feet despite wearing socks, either standing or sitting or lying that sometimes comes and goes ??
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
May be related to nerves or blood vessels

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Sensations, such as cold in the feet, may be related to abnormal function of the nerves (called neuropathy) or peripheral vascular disease ( blocks in blood vessels in the legs).

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is more likely if there is a history of high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, overweight/obesity, diabetes.
If any of these conditions is present then PVD is likely though it can exist even if not present.

To determine which is the cause, your doctor can check your pulse in your limbs (feet, ankles, knees) and also check nerve function with a neurological examination.

Treatment would depend on the cause found:(A) peripheral vascular disease is treated with aspirin, controlling risk factors (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, activity, diet)

(B) neuropathy- the cause of the neuropathy is found if possible (Eg vitamin b12 or folate deficiency, liver or kidney disease, infection etc

There are medications that can be used to treat neuropathy

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (12 minutes later)
Thank you. Actually my wife does not have any of these conditions, and the coldness seems to come and go. Sometimes normal, sometimes cold. Could this inconsistency be attributed ti something else such as stress or something else? Sometimes she even has a burning sensation In the bottom of her feet that also comes and goes.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
usually have to rule out physical conditions first

Detailed Answer:
HI

Stress can cause and worsen symptoms but it not normally considered unless physical conditions are ruled out.

Since she also experiences burning , this would point more towards neuropathy because that particular symptom is not as common in PVD

If physical conditions are ruled out by history and examination, then stress and anxiety can be considered

Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Cold Feet Despite Wearing Socks?

Brief Answer: May be related to nerves or blood vessels Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Sensations, such as cold in the feet, may be related to abnormal function of the nerves (called neuropathy) or peripheral vascular disease ( blocks in blood vessels in the legs). Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is more likely if there is a history of high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, overweight/obesity, diabetes. If any of these conditions is present then PVD is likely though it can exist even if not present. To determine which is the cause, your doctor can check your pulse in your limbs (feet, ankles, knees) and also check nerve function with a neurological examination. Treatment would depend on the cause found:(A) peripheral vascular disease is treated with aspirin, controlling risk factors (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, activity, diet) (B) neuropathy- the cause of the neuropathy is found if possible (Eg vitamin b12 or folate deficiency, liver or kidney disease, infection etc There are medications that can be used to treat neuropathy I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions