When blood is pumped from the heart, it is sent through the entire area of the body to provide oxygen to all of the tissues. In healthy individuals, the blood vessels are clear and open, allowing blood to flow through them freely. Some people, however, have blockages or damage to the blood vessels that hinder blood flow. When blood cannot flow properly, it cannot deliver oxygen properly, either. This can result in cold feet.
Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body due to a deficiency of the vitamin B12. B12 ensures that red blood cells are made and aids in proper nervous system function. An insufficient number of red blood cells minimizes the amount of oxygen that can reach the body tissues and can result in fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, pale skin, headache and a cold feeling in the hands and feet, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The nerve damage caused by a lack of B12 results in tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, unsteadiness, loss of balance and muscle weakness. The most common cause of pernicious anemia is a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein made by the stomach and required for B12 absorption. Other causes include inadequate dietary intake and improper absorption in the small intestine. Although mild cases of pernicious anemia may be treated with oral supplementation of vitamin B12, most cases are treated with regular B12 injections.
Raynaud's Phenomenon
Raynaud's phenomenon is a rare condition characterized by vasospastic attacks, which are random constrictions of the blood vessels in the fingers and toes. When the blood vessels constrict, blood cannot flow through them properly. This results in a change in hand and foot color to white or blue as well as coldness and numbness. As feeling returns to the hands and feet, they become red and tingly. Less commonly, the vasospastic attacks affect the tip of the nose as well. The exact cause of Raynaud's phenomenon is unknown, however, cold temperatures and increased periods of stress have been identified as triggers for the attacks, according to Cleveland Clinic. Most cases of Raynaud's phenomenon are treated without medications. Cleveland Clinic recommends keeping warm and avoiding the outdoors during cold weather, increasing exercise and practicing stress control techniques.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral vascular disease is characterized by damage to the peripheral blood vessels, which carry blood to and from the muscles in the arms and legs. Damage to the blood vessels can be described as inflammation of the blood vessels, narrowing of blood vessel diameter or blockage due to a blood clot, according to the Texas Heart Institute. When the peripheral blood vessels are damaged, blood cannot flow through them freely. This causes pain that radiates down the leg, coldness in the feet and weak foot pulse. Mild cases of peripheral vascular disease can be treated with weight loss, cessation of smoking and increased exercise. Advanced cases may require medications, surgery or a combination of both.
