Cold Feet & Raynaud's – When Your Feet Are Always Freezing
Cold feet in Florida? You might have Raynaud's syndrome. Learn what causes it, how to recognize it, and when to seek professional care.
By Dr. Robert Hoover
Cold Feet & Raynaud's – When Your Feet Are Always Freezing Florida is warm, so when your feet are constantly cold, something isn't right. You could have Raynaud's syndrome, a condition where blood vessels in your extremities overreact to cold and stress, restricting blood flow and leaving your feet numb and freezing. Even in a warm climate, this condition can make you miserable—and it's definitely something worth understanding and treating. What Is Raynaud's Syndrome? Raynaud's syndrome (or Raynaud's disease if it's not linked to another condition) is a condition where your arteries narrow in response to cold or emotional stress. This narrowing restricts blood flow to your toes, fingers, nose, and ears. When blood flow is restricted, tissues don't get oxygen, and your skin turns white or blue. When blood flow returns, your skin turns red and you may experience pain or tingling. The attacks can last from a few minutes to several hours, and they can range from mildly uncomfortable to genuinely painful. Related Reading If this article was helpful, you may also find these useful: Raynaud's Phenomenon in the Feet – Diagnosis and Management Smoking and Foot Health — The Vascular Connection You Should Know Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and Your Feet – Circulation Matters Swollen Feet & Ankles – When to Worry and When to Elevate