Are one or both of your legs unusually cold for no apparent reason? Is the coldness paired with leg pain or an uncomfortable tingling sensation?
Persistent coldness is not always an indication of a serious health issue. However, asymmetrical coldness can be a sign of poor circulation, nerve damage, or a blood clot in one leg. A cold sensation in just one leg is also a common symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a serious vascular disease.
Understanding some of the common causes of coldness in the legs and feet can help decide when it may be time to schedule a consultation with a vascular specialist.
What Does a Cold Feeling in the Legs Mean?
The most common trigger of a cold sensation in the legs is environmental factors. Wind chill, cold water, or simply sitting in a cold room for an extended period can cause a cold sensation in the legs. However, if an external factor does not cause a cold feeling in the feet, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Common Causes of Cold Sensation in Legs and Feet
There are several reasons why you may experience a cold sensation in your legs. Understanding the root cause can help determine if and when medical intervention may be needed. Here are five causes of a cold sensation in the legs you should be aware of:
- Environmental exposure: Extreme cold temperatures or air conditioning set to chilling temperatures can reduce skin temperature, causing an unusual cold feeling in the legs.
- Nerve-related issues: Neuropathy, sciatica, and meralgia paresthetica can cause nerve compression and pain, leading to a cold tingling in the legs.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can impact circulation, body temperature, and your metabolism, leading to cold feet and legs.
- Anemia: Low red blood cell count can cause fatigue, pale skin, and cold hands and feet.
- Peripheral artery disease: A condition caused by narrowed arteries and reduced blood flow in the lower extremities, leading to a cold sensation in the legs and feet.
How Peripheral Artery Disease Causes Cold Feet and Legs
Peripheral artery disease is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries. As the plaque builds up, it restricts the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the legs and feet. Limited blood supply and restricted circulation can cause coldness, leg pain, and fatigue.
Most patients with cold feet and legs caused by PAD typically experience an asymmetrical sensation. This cold sensation commonly occurs in the leg where the narrowed artery is located, while coldness caused by external environmental factors affects both legs.
PAD Symptoms That May Occur with Cold Sensations
Patients with PAD will also experience other symptoms along with cold sensations, such as:
- Cramping in the lower extremities
- Pain in the legs when walking
- Numbness or a tingling sensation in the feet
- Weak or heavy legs
- Slow-healing sores and ulcers on the legs and feet
- Skin discoloration
If you’re experiencing a cold sensation in the legs and are worried you may be at risk for PAD, take our online risk assessment quiz to see if you should schedule a consultation with a vascular specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
When to Be Concerned About Constantly Cold Legs or Feet
While occasional coldness itself might not be a significant issue, there are certain signs when persistent coldness could be a larger concern. A cold sensation in the legs unrelated to environmental factors may signal a serious vascular condition and may require medical intervention.
Chronic cold legs or feet can become a concern when:
- Persistent coldness: An occasional chill is common, but lingering sensations that occur day after day may indicate circulation problems.
- One-sided coldness: A colder temperature in one leg or foot compared to the other often points to vascular blockages or other potential circulation issues.
- Progressive coldness: Sensations that become more frequent, more intense, or spread over time.
- Coldness impacting daily life: Discomfort that interferes with everyday activities, requires extra layers, or reduces mobility.
If the coldness is paired with any pain or discomfort, schedule a consultation with a vascular specialist at USA Vascular Centers to rule out PAD or other vascular conditions. The earlier these diseases are diagnosed, the more treatment options are available.
How Doctors Diagnose Circulatory Causes of Cold Sensations
During a consultation, medical professionals use a series of diagnostic tests to determine the root cause of the leg pain and cold feet. A physical examination is typically the first step in checking for weak or absent pulses in the affected area. Your doctor may also request an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, ultrasound, or angiography to identify blockages and assess blood flow in the lower extremities.
Treatment Options for PAD-Related Coldness in Legs
If your doctor determines the cause of the coldness is PAD, they may recommend one of these minimally invasive treatments. Along with the treatment, they will also recommend specific lifestyle modifications that can help enhance your quality of life.
Here’s how the peripheral artery disease (PAD) treatments compare:
- Angioplasty: A balloon connected to a catheter is used to compress the plaque against the artery wall.
- Stent placement: A stent is used to prop the artery open and prevent future blockages from forming. Depending on the severity of your condition, this procedure can be used alone or in conjunction with an angioplasty.
- Atherectomy: A catheter fitted with a laser or blade physically removes plaque from the affected artery.
A vascular doctor will help determine the best treatment option for you based on your medical history and the severity of the disease.
Restoring Leg Warmth and Circulation with USA Vascular Centers
Peripheral artery disease is a progressive disease that requires treatment. Without treatment, PAD can progress to late-stage PAD, impacting mobility or resulting in gangrene. If you’re experiencing leg pain and cold feet, schedule a consultation with a specialist at USA Vascular Centers for an accurate diagnosis.
USA Vascular Centers provides non-surgical, outpatient treatments for PAD. Our team develops personalized care plans for each of our PAD patients to help improve mobility and minimize the pain associated with their symptoms. We also accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.
FAQs About Cold Sensations in the Legs
Is it dangerous to ignore cold legs if there’s no pain?
It can be dangerous to ignore cold legs even without pain, as it could still be a sign of PAD, a blood clot, or a nerve issue and may require medical intervention.
Is it normal for PAD symptoms to worsen in colder temperatures?
PAD symptoms can worsen in colder temperatures. Colder temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow and leading to pain, cramping, or numbness in the legs and feet.
Should I be concerned if my foot feels cold but looks normal?
While cold feet and toes are a normal response to colder temperatures, persistent coldness in the lower extremities can also be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition. If the coldness is paired with pain, numbness, or a tingling sensation, schedule a consultation with a vascular specialist.
