Of course, everyone can have cold feet in the winter simply because the temperature drops not only outside, but inside as well. But for some people, the colder temperatures exasperate other conditions that typically lead to colder feet, making those long winter months even harder to bear without the help of family and home care assistance.
What Causes Some People to Struggle with Cold Feet
The most common cause of habitually cold feet is poor circulation. The feet do not get enough blood flow to help them maintain their proper temperature. If the blood vessels are blocked or narrow, it slows how quickly blood can get to the feet to warm them up again.
Several health conditions can contribute to cold feet, such as autoimmune diseases, an underactive thyroid, heart disease, and nerve conditions such as fibromyalgia. In addition, some medications your loved one may take for high blood pressure or migraines could also interact with blood flow and lead to cold feet.
Making Cold Feet More Comfortable At Home
If cold feet are a consistent and painful problem, your loved one should visit her doctor to see if an underlying condition is causing them. Treating that issue (such as providing medication for an underactive thyroid) may reduce her symptoms fairly quickly.
For those who still struggle with cold feet, there are steps they can take to find relief while at home and outside along with getting help from home care assistance.
- Wear the right kind of socks: It’s not only about wearing socks; it’s about wearing the right socks. Just like your loved one has different shoes and clothes she wears in the winter, she should also have different socks. Thin socks that help her feet stay cool in the summer should be packed away, and thick, woolen socks should be brought out in winter. Wool can keep feet warm even if they get wet so they make the perfect socks if your loved one is going outside.
- Consider compression socks: Compression socks generally extend up the calf and can help feet stay warm by stimulating blood circulation. They also provide extra warmth by being longer than standard ankle socks.
- Consider flooring options: Vinyl or wood floors look great but can be very cold to walk on during the winter months. Or if your loved one is sitting at the dinner table, her feet may become extremely cold when they rest on the linoleum flooring. Having rugs can help so long as they are secure on the floor and don’t present a tripping hazard.
- Elevate feet: Elevating feet can also help blood flow and thus help them stay warm in a colder room.
- Stay hydrated: Healthy hydration helps blood flow to all areas of the body, including the feet.
Getting Help From a Home Care Assistance Team
Often, the largest struggle for the elderly with caring for any foot issue is their inability to reach their feet. They may have balance issues, vertigo problems, or flexibility struggles that make it difficult, if not impossible, to provide care for their feet.
A home care assistance team who works with your loved one can help her take care of her feet so that they’re not only kept warm all winter long but also have their skin and nails well maintained to prevent any further injury or pain.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Assistance in Alexandria, VA, please contact the caring staff at Cardinal Home Care today! (703) 934-4610
Cardinal Home Care provides exceptional home care services in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Fairfax, Virginia, and the surrounding communities.
Cardinal Home Care launched in 2019, with the purpose of providing quality non-medical home care to seniors wishing to remain in the comfort of their homes.
Cardinal Home Care provides exceptional home care services in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Fairfax Virginia and the surrounding communities.
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