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Cold feet shouldn’t be ignored if they come with ongoing fatigue, numbness, or unexplained weight changes.
Persistent cold feet are usually not serious, but in some cases, they may signal an underlying medical condition. (Representative image: Getty)
As bone-chilling cold waves sweep across northern India, winter is at its peak. Layers of woollens, blankets, and room heaters become essential to keep warm. Yet, despite all this, many people continue to complain of persistently cold feet. For some, the problem doesn’t end with winter; their feet feel cold all year round, regardless of the season.
So why does this happen? Is it simply a reaction to cold weather, or could it point to something more? And when should cold feet become a reason for concern? To understand what’s normal and what isn’t, we spoke to Dr Akhilesh Yadav, Director – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, who explains the medical reasons behind persistently cold feet—and when to seek help.
Cold Feet All the Time: Normal Or Not?
Dr Yadav says persistent cold feet are usually not serious, but in some cases, they may signal an underlying medical condition. He explains that cold feet during winter are often caused by increased sensitivity to falling temperatures. However, if a person experiences persistently cold feet even in summer, it could point to health issues ranging from thyroid disorders to poor blood circulation.
“People often complain of cold feet, and it is usually not serious or out of the ordinary. Cold feet are usually caused by poor circulation and/or being sensitive to cold temperatures. Some people have a naturally lower blood flow to their extremities,” Dr Yadav says.
“Stress and anxiety can contribute to this condition by narrowing blood vessels, which makes your feet feel cold even when conditions are comfortable,” he adds.
“Things that can contribute to cold feet are poor blood circulation, problems with the nerves, anaemia, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. The feeling of cold feet will be more pronounced in winter but if you experience it during the summer months or while in a warm room then it could indicate a medical problem instead of just being sensitive to the weather,” Dr Yadav explains.
When Cold Feet Signal A Health Issue
Persistently cold feet can sometimes point to underlying health issues. Anaemia, for instance, reduces oxygen supply in the body, often causing constant coldness along with fatigue.
Diabetes can lead to nerve damage and poor circulation, making the feet feel unusually cold. Thyroid disorders, especially an underactive thyroid, slow down metabolism, reducing the body’s ability to generate heat.
Dr Yadav says cold feet should not be ignored when accompanied by persistent fatigue, numbness, or unexplained weight changes, and strongly advises a medical check-up.
“If you have cold feet and also experience numbness, tingling sensations, pain, colour changes due to blueness or paleness in skin, swollen feet, would have a wound that has not yet healed, and you may feel excessive fatigue, then you should seek medical attention immediately to rule out any potential nerve, circulation, and/or other chronic conditions that may be present and should be treated as soon as possible,” Dr Yadav says.
Daily Habits That May Be Making Your Feet Colder
Dr Yadav explains that sitting for long periods reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, making them feel cold. Smoking further constricts blood vessels, worsening circulation.
Over time, a lack of physical activity weakens overall blood flow, which is why people who remain sedentary or work long hours without movement often experience persistently cold feet.
Dr Yadav notes that women are more likely than men to experience persistently cold feet due to hormonal differences, lower muscle mass, and a naturally lower average body temperature. “Oestrogen can narrow blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the extremities. Additionally, lower iron intake among women increases their chances of feeling cold,” he explains.
He adds, “For women who feel cold, warming the feet, massaging the feet, and soaking them in warm water will all improve circulation and warm the feet.”
How To Manage Cold Feet At Home
Dr Yadav advises that regular walking, stretching, and keeping the body warm can help maintain a consistent temperature. Avoiding smoking and prolonged sitting will also prevent unnecessary stress on the body. These methods can help relieve mild, non-medical causes of being cold.
January 09, 2026, 08:00 IST
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