What causes cold feet in winter?

In general, cold feet during winter may be caused by insufficient warmth, lack of physical activity, inadequate nutrition, anemia, or Raynaud's disease. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Insufficient Warmth

In cold winter weather, inadequate clothing—especially insufficient foot insulation—can lead to rapid heat loss and a drop in foot temperature, resulting in cold feet. It is important to maintain proper warmth in daily life.

2. Lack of Physical Activity

Long-term physical inactivity can slow blood circulation, particularly impairing peripheral circulation, making extremities such as the feet—which are far from the heart—more prone to feeling cold. Increasing physical activity, especially exercises that target the lower limbs, can help improve blood flow.

3. Inadequate Nutrition

Deficiencies in essential nutrients, particularly iron and B vitamins, can impair blood circulation and energy metabolism, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. This may be accompanied by pallor and dizziness. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as ferrous sulfate tablets, compound vitamin B tablets, and vitamin C chewable tablets for treatment.

4. Anemia

Anemia can result from impaired hematopoietic function, heavy menstrual bleeding, or trauma. When anemia occurs, reduced red blood cells or hemoglobin decrease the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, failing to meet the body’s needs—including those of the feet—leading to cold feet. Symptoms may include palpitations and shortness of breath. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as folic acid tablets, ferrous fumarate tablets, and compound ejiao syrup for treatment.

5. Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud's disease is typically caused by spasmodic, functional occlusion of small blood vessels in the extremities. When exposed to cold stimuli, patients experience arterial spasms in the extremities, causing local circulatory impairment and insufficient blood supply to the feet, resulting in cold feet. Symptoms may include pale, stiff, and cold skin. Treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, prazosin hydrochloride tablets, and prostaglandin E1 cream.

To keep feet warm, individuals should pay attention to adequate insulation, maintain a balanced diet to ensure sufficient nutrition, and actively engage in physical exercise to promote blood circulation, thereby effectively preventing cold feet.