So, why do cold feet sting in hot water? If you ask any cyclist what part of their body gets the coldest during winter rides, they would probably say their hands and feet because of the wind chill. However, since these extremities remain mostly immobile throughout a journey, despite our best attempts to keep them warm, they are more likely to get very cold water.
Suppose you have ever failed to dress appropriately for the weather. In that case, you probably recall how painful it was when you got home and your hands and feet began to thaw out from being frozen. While it seems that these unpleasant events are unavoidable when riding in the winter, you can avoid them.
Let’s get right to it!
Why Do Cold Feet Sting in Hot Water?
There are various reasons why chilly feet might be painful in very hot water, including the following:
Low Temperature
In chilly weather, many people complain about having cold feet. Having chilly feet, though, even when the temperature is normal or warm, might be an indication of a more serious underlying health issue.
One of the typical responses of the body to cooler temperatures in the development of chilly feet. When you subject the body to lower temperatures, the blood vessels in the extremities, such as the hands and feet, will narrow further. Because of this, the blood supply to these places decreases, lowering the amount of heat lost from the body.
The extremities are the sections of the body located farthest from the major organs. Hence, restricting the blood supply to the extremities helps maintain heat and blood flow in the more crucial regions of the body.
This decreased blood flow over time may cause lower oxygen levels in the tissues, which can cause the tissues to take on a bluish hue. Even if they are just momentary, these symptoms are often insignificant, and the body will return to normal as soon as it warms up again. The temperature difference and changes in body temperature, skin temperature, and central nervous system cause this.
Some individuals are susceptible to the condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon, in which reduced blood circulation produces symptoms such as tingling or numbness in the extremities. You may bring it by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures or high-stress levels. This causes cold feet to sting in warm or hot water.
Extreme Levels of Tension or Anxiety
Getting chilly feet may also be a symptom of being in a state of excessive tension or worry. The release of adrenaline into the circulation is a normal reaction that occurs in the body in response to emotional or physical stress.
When adrenaline circulates through the body, it causes the blood vessels at the body’s periphery to constrict, reducing the amount of blood that flows to the body’s extremities. This reaction conserves energy and prepares the body for any potential damage that it may inflict due to the high-stress environment.
Although the contemporary world is full of stresses, relatively few pose an immediate threat to the body; hence, if this defensive reaction often results in the feet or hands being chilly, it may be doing more damage than good. In situations like these, lowering levels of stress and tension may help alleviate some of the symptoms. This also causes cold hands to sting on a hot water bottle.
Circulatory Problems
Because cold temperatures restrict blood flow to the extremities, the feet and hands are more likely to feel cold than other body parts.
One of the most frequent causes of chilly feet is circulatory issues. Poor circulation makes it difficult for a person’s extremities to get enough warm blood, which usually results in complaints from that person about their hands and feet being chilly.
There are many potential origins of poor blood circulation. For example, suppose you have a sedentary lifestyle or spend all day sitting at a computer. In that case, your legs may have poor circulation, resulting in chilly feet. People who smoke tobacco products may be more prone to having chilly feet since the habit may also make it more difficult for blood to reach all body parts.
The development of plaques inside the arteries due to high cholesterol can reduce circulation to the legs and feet, resulting in a feeling of iciness in the feet.
Chilly feet may be a symptom of some heart disorders. Hence, a person must discuss any current heart issues or risk factors with their primary care physician. However, reduced blood flow causes it.
Anemia
Anemia is a disorder that manifests itself when a person’s body has an abnormally low number of healthy red blood cells. This might result from several conditions, such as iron, vitamin B12, folate deficit, or chronic renal disease.
Anemia, especially in its moderate to severe forms, may induce chilly feet. Alterations in diet and the addition of supplements are often successful in treating anemia. Therefore, it is advisable to see a physician about anemia treatment options and get the condition diagnosed by a medical professional.
Diabetes Mellitus
People with diabetes are at an increased risk for circulation difficulties, which may manifest as symptoms such as chilly feet or hands. Consistently high blood sugar levels may cause the arteries to widen and the blood flow to the tissues to decrease, resulting in symptoms like chilly feet.
In certain people, diabetes may result in diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a kind of nerve damage. Damage to the nerves caused by diabetes usually occurs in individuals with an unregulated and high blood sugar level for an extended time.
Burning pain, tingling or prickling feelings, numbness, and tingling or prickling sensations in the feet and legs are further signs of diabetic nerve damage. The symptoms may be worse at night.
Nerve Disorders
Several different nerve problems may produce chronically chilly feet. For example, damage to nerves may result from a traumatic event or injury, such as severe frostbite, or it can result from an underlying medical condition.
You may also bring peripheral neuropathy by conditions affecting the liver or kidneys, infections, or even heredity. In most cases, it results in additional symptoms, such as numbness and tingling in the affected area. While one waits for a correct diagnosis, treating symptoms, such as chilly feet, may be helpful. This may make the individual feel less uncomfortable.
Final Words
It is completely natural to get a case of chilly feet every once in a while. Treating the underlying source of the problem should help the feet recover to a more normal temperature. However, persistent symptoms are something to explore with a medical professional.
Meanwhile, you may speed up the process of warming your feet by taking immediate action, such as donning thick socks or soaking your feet in a hot footbath.
