Why are the soles of my feet particularly sensitive to cold, and what should I do about it?

Nov 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Cold intolerance in the soles of the feet may be caused by inadequate warmth, lack of physical activity, lower extremity atherosclerotic occlusive disease, hypothyroidism, or Raynaud's syndrome. This condition can be improved through enhanced insulation, moderate exercise, and medication. If cold sensitivity is accompanied by numbness, pain, or skin color changes in the lower limbs, prompt medical attention is necessary. Inadequate warmth: caused by cold environments or wearing thin shoes and socks.

  Cold sensitivity in the feet may be caused by insufficient warmth, lack of physical activity, lower extremity atherosclerotic occlusive disease, hypothyroidism, or Raynaud's syndrome. This condition can be improved through enhanced insulation, moderate exercise, and medication. If cold sensitivity is accompanied by numbness, pain, or skin color changes in the lower limbs, prompt medical attention is necessary.

  1. Insufficient warmth: In cold environments or when wearing thin socks and shoes, heat from the feet dissipates quickly, causing blood vessels to constrict and reducing blood flow, which leads to cold feet. It is recommended to wear warm, breathable socks and footwear, avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments, and soak feet in warm water before bedtime.

  2. Lack of exercise: Prolonged sitting with little movement slows circulation in the lower limbs, resulting in inadequate blood supply to the feet and causing coldness. It is advised to engage in daily physical activities such as brisk walking or jogging for 20–30 minutes each time to promote blood circulation in the legs.

  3. Lower extremity atherosclerotic occlusive disease: Atherosclerosis causes narrowing of the arteries in the legs, reducing blood supply to the feet. Symptoms include cold feet, cool sensation in the limbs, and intermittent claudication. Under medical guidance, medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, cilostazol tablets, and alprostadil injection may be used to alleviate symptoms.

  4. Hypothyroidism: Insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones slows down metabolism and reduces body heat production, leading to general cold intolerance, particularly noticeable in the feet. Under medical supervision, levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid tablets, or Jin Kui Shen Qi Pills may be used to improve symptoms.

  5. Raynaud's syndrome: Dysfunction of the vascular nerves causes small arteries in the extremities to spasm and constrict upon cold exposure, reducing blood flow. This results in cold feet and may be accompanied by pallor or bluish discoloration of fingers and toes. Follow medical advice to use medications such as nifedipine tablets, reserpine tablets, or alprostadil gel to manage symptoms.

  Daily care includes wearing warm and comfortable socks and shoes, soaking feet in warm water before bed, engaging in moderate lower-limb exercises, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients to help alleviate cold feet.