Cold Sweats: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Manage Them

Written by Erica Halpern on June 5, 2023

Last updated June 7, 2024

Cold sweats are episodes of excessive sweating involving feelings of coldness, clamminess, and a drop in body temperature. Our feet are particularly prone to cold sweats due to their position (away from the heart) and function.

This blog post discusses the causes, symptoms, and ways to manage cold sweats.

Causes of cold sweats

There are several possible causes of cold sweats, including medical conditions, medication side effects, and emotional triggers. Learn more about the common cause of cold sweats in feet below:

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is the common term for excessive sweating. If you experience cold and sweaty feet without exercising or temperature changes, you may have hyperhidrosis. The underlying cause is an overreaction of your body’s sweat glands. Stress and anxiety can also disrupt your body’s sweat glands. There is an overall increased risk of infection in the presence of hyperhidrosis, including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Arterial Disease is a condition of the body’s lower extremities. The leg’s blood vessels become blocked or narrowed, restricting blood flow between your lower legs and heart. Fatty plaque in the arteries is often the culprit. You may be at greater risk of PAD if you have diabetes, are over 60, or have elevated blood pressure and cholesterol.

Menopause

A common cold sweats culprit is menopause. Blood circulation can increase or decrease based on hormonal changes, triggering sweats.

Overactive thyroid

A thyroid disorder can cause plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive foot sweat) while deregulating body temperature. An overactive thyroid also messes with our blood circulation, giving the feet and skin only a quarter of the blood supply they usually need.

Raynaud’s disease

Raynaud’s disease causes cold hands and feet and numb toes. The condition decreases blood flow in certain body parts because of the blood vessels spasming in the area.

Body temperature

Sudden changes in core body temperature can trigger cold sweats. For instance, when sleeping, you may want to experiment with adjusting the room temperature up or down or even sleeping with your feet outside the blankets to thermoregulate your core body temperature.

Other causes of cold sweats

Wearing small shoes or shoes without proper ventilation: Shoes without proper breathing properties may trap in heat and cause your feet to sweat or have a cold sweat sensation.
Neuropathy: Nerve damage, typical in diabetes patients, can cause excessive sweating and disrupt your average body temperature.
Exercise: If you exercise and your feet continue to sweat or be moist afterwards, you may experience cold feet.

Symptoms of cold sweats

The top symptoms of cold sweats in the feet include

Excessive sweating
Feeling cold or clammy
Shivering
Paleness

In addition to the symptoms in your feet, you may also experience these bodily feelings:

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea or vomiting
Weakness

How to manage cold sweats

The management of cold sweats will depend on the underlying cause. Here at Feet First Clinic, we recommend several treatment options, including:

Foot deodorants, creams and sprays.
Talk to your doctor about taking certain types of medications. For instance, antidepressants may lower triggers like stress and anxiety, which cause you to sweat more.
Manage stress. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Ensure you’re getting enough rest. A lack of sleep can trigger cold sweats, so try to get enough restful sleep.
Daily foot hygiene practices. Keep feet clean and dry, regularly change socks, etc.
Regularly air out your feet.
Breathable footwear.
Dress in layers. Removing or adding layers will stabilize your core body temperature and prevent significant shifts.
Moisture-wicking socks.
Schedule regular foot assessments to check for conditions that thrive in moist environments, like athlete’s foot.

Are you experiencing cold sweats? Your solutions live at Feet First Clinic

Find foot solutions at Feet First Clinic, from foot deodorants to high-quality footwear. Call us at (416) 769-3338 or book an appointment online using the form at the bottom of this page.

About Author: Erica Halpern

Erica is the operations manager at Feet First Clinic. Since 2021, she has been writing, researching and editing website and social media content. She also oversees Feet First Clinic’s daily and strategic operations to ensure the best possible experience for our clients. Her goal is to ensure patients are equipped with the knowledge and solutions they need to help with their pain.

Learn more about Erica Halpern

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September 9, 2024

Natural Remedies for Foot Pain: Home Treatments That Work

Sometimes, your feet need a little extra TLC, especially after long days or if you’re struggling with a painful foot condition. While a visit to your local foot clinic is always a good idea, remembering some natural remedies for foot pain can be a lifesaver when you need relief at home. Exercises, Stretches and Yoga Foot pain relief exercises are excellent for addressing discomfort and promoting overall foot health. On top of being effective, they are a holistic, natural foot care remedy. The best stretches and exercises target the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the feet, helping to improve flexibility, strengthen weak areas, and increase circulation. When you practice these at home, you are doing your part to manage common issues like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bunions, osteoarthritis, general muscle soreness, and much more. Additionally, they are cost-effective (no expensive gym equipment required!) and designed to accommodate people with disabilities (many feature modifications). Here are some resources (keep in mind you can often mix and match exercises): Exercises for top of the foot pain. Exercises for plantar fasciitis. Exercises for bunions. Exercises for arthritis part 1 and part 2. Exercises for diabetes. Incorporating yoga into your routine is another effective approach to soothing foot pain. Yoga poses that focus on stretching and strengthening the feet, such as the Downward Dog and Warrior, not only provide relief from current pain but also help prevent future issues by improving foot alignment and balance. Read about the best yoga exercises for your feet here. Foot Bath A long bath at the end of a hard day is one of life’s greatest gifts. But a targeted foot bath is also one of the best natural remedies for foot pain. One of the key natural ingredients to use in your bath is epsom salt (it’s nothing like the salt you use for cooking!). Research suggests it relieves muscle cramping, prevents blood clots, and boosts nerve function. Foot soaks for purchase at our Toronto foot clinic may also help. Gehwol Fusskraft Herbal Foot Bath has several ingredients to soothe tired achy muscles. Click here to inquire! Be sure to warm water in your foot bath, as opposed to hot water. Water that is too hot can dry out your skin and cause discomfort during the foot bath. Foot Massages and Essential Oils A DIY foot massage is one of the best foot pain management tips, and it’s a treatment you can do 100% from home. Using essential oils with your massage is a herbal remedy for foot pain you can try. Some studies show that a mix of geranium, lavender, bergamot, tea tree, and eucalyptus essential oils helped reduce pain in people with diabetic neuropathy. Side note: It’s a common misconception neuropathy only causes foot numbness; it can also lead to sharp pains in the feet. These oils may also help with other foot conditions! Use a carrier oil, preferably coconut oil, and mix it with the essential oils for the best results. Learn how to perform a foot massage here.

August 29, 2024

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Plantar fasciitis, a condition that impacts the foot and the heel, is very common but often misunderstood. If you've felt sharp stabbing pain in your heel when you take your first steps in the morning, you might know this condition firsthand. But what does plantar fasciitis mean, and how can you treat it? Let's explore the specifics to help you better understand plantar fasciitis causes and treatments. What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis happens when the plantar fascia gets inflamed. This thick band of tissue stretches from your heel to your toes along the bottom of your foot. It helps support your foot's arch and handles the stress we put on our feet. When this band gets irritated or swollen, it can lead to pain and discomfort. You'll often feel this pain in your heel area. Causes of plantar fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by overuse and activities that put too much stress on the feet, which ultimately strains the plantar fascia. Such activities include includes running long distances, standing for hours, or playing high-impact sports. Risk factors that can make you especially vulnerable to developing plantar fasciitis include: Foot structure: Conditions such as flat feet or high arches can lead to unhealthy biomechanics (i.e.: overpronation), which can then can put extra stress on the plantar fascia when you walk. Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that don't support or cushion your feet well can make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. High heels, old shoes, or flimsy footwear without adequate arch support can all contribute. Getting older: Those aged 40-60 are more prone to plantar fasciitis, but it can happen to anyone at any age. It's one of many age-related changes to the feet we experience as we age. Your job: Working a job where you have to stand or walk on hard floors for a long time can increase your chances of getting this condition. That's right! Even your career can influence your foot health. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis The telltale symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain. In addition, you may experience the following: Quick-hitting pain: Pain is often most severe when you take your first steps in the morning, or after sitting for an extended period. This pain tends to decrease with continued activity but can return after rest. Sharp pain: Plantar fasciitis-related pain is typically sharp and may be felt near the heel's underside. Pain post-exercise: While activity may initially relieve the pain, it can worsen after exercise or at the end of the day. Tenderness: Pressing on the area where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone may cause pain. Treating plantar fasciitis You may experience pain with plantar fasciitis first thing in the morning. The good news is that most cases of plantar fasciitis can be managed with conservative treatments. Here are some effective strategies for treating plantar fasciitis: Rest and ice: Resting and applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain. Aim to ice your heel for 15-20 minutes several times daily. You may also benefit from over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen, which can reduce pain and inflammation. Stretching exercises: Gentle stretching of the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia can help alleviate tension and reduce pain. Exercises such as the calf stretch, towel stretch, and rolling the foot over a cold bottle or a tennis ball can be beneficial. Footwear: Wear supportive shoes with good arch support and cushioning. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces, and consider using custom orthotic inserts to provide additional support. Read our dedicated blog post on the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. Night splints: Wearing night splints can help keep the plantar fascia stretched overnight, which may reduce morning pain. Avoid high-impact sports and activities: Temporarily reducing or modifying activities that exacerbate your symptoms can help prevent further irritation of the plantar fascia.

August 12, 2024

Managing Bunions: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Tips for Relief

Dealing with bunions can be a pain—literally. For those managing bunions, finding effective solutions can greatly improve quality of life. Let's dive into various bunion treatment options and explore lifestyle tips that can help alleviate discomfort and prevent further issues. Bunion Treatment Options: Finding What Works for You When it comes to managing bunions, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Remember, they are bony protrusions and can vary in pain level and size. While they can occur in both men and women, they are most common in women. Non-surgical bunion treatment is often the first line of defense. Non-Surgical Bunion Treatment Ill-fitting and unsupportive footwear - particularly narrow shoes and high heels - is one of the most common causes of bunions. A chiropodist can suggest footwear for bunions that provide ample toe space and cushioning. They'll help you discover fashionable footwear for sensitive feet from your local Toronto foot clinic. Additionally, they can do a biomechanical assessment to determine if custom orthotics can help manage the bunion's progression and reduce your pain. A chiropodist can also recommend bunion cushioning techniques and products, such as: Silicone toe separators Bunion aligners Rigid, yet walkable, bunion splints These non-invasive measures can help reduce pressure on the affected area and offer bunion pain relief. Lifestyle Tips For Bunion Relief and Preventing Bunion Progression As with any foot condition, lifestyle changes go a long way! Implement simple bunion exercises into your routine to strengthen the muscles around the joint. To give it your best shot, refer to these 5 simple exercises for bunions! It is also strongly recommended that you avoid high heels. If you have a special event, visit your local foot clinic to talk about comfortable heel and wedges you may be able to wear, for a limited amount of time. In addition, avoid activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, such as long periods of standing on hard surfaces. You can try beginner-level, low-impact yoga to keep moving, but make sure it isn't too intense for your feet. Surgical Solutions In severe situations, bunion surgery from a podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon can offer significant relief. Surgery realigns the toe joint, providing a long-term solution and eliminating the need to accommodate the bunion at all times. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if surgery is the right step for you. Most of the time, surgery is only an option for severe bunions as it can be a lengthy and inconvenient process for you. In addition, there's no guarantee the bunion will not return: some studies indicate a reoccurence rate of up to 25% after bunion surgery. It's important to note that bunion surgery alone isn't going to permanently get rid of your bunions: you still need to do non-surgical bunion treatment options after surgery to prevent reoccurence, namely: Wear proper fitting footwear and avoid high heels Strengthen and condition the muscles in your feet and ankles Address any underlying biomechanical issues to reduce pressure and strain on the affected joint.

August 8, 2024

Benefits of Flexible Toes

When we think about flexibility, our toes might not be the first body part that comes to mind. One may think that because they're so small, you can get away with neglecting them. However, our toes are actually part of our entire body's foundation. Flexible toes protect us from many short—and long-term foot conditions and can enhance our quality of life. Let's explore the benefits of having flexible toes, including improved balance, fewer foot problems, and increased toe functionality. Five benefits of flexible toes 1. Improved balance and stability Flexible toes contribute to better balance and stability. When your toes can move and spread naturally, they can adjust to uneven surfaces and provide a broader support base, enhancing overall stability while walking, running, or standing. 2. Fewer foot problems Maintaining flexibility in your toes can help prevent common foot problems associated with stiffness in your toes. For example, a limited range of motion in your feet can indicate bunions, hammertoes, osteoarthritis, hallux rigidus, and plantar fasciitis early. Hallux rigidus and hallux limitus translate to "rigid" and "limited," a direct sign of stiff toes. In addition, flexible toes are less likely to become cramped or develop abnormal positions that can lead to discomfort and pain. Greater flexibility also means your muscle groups will work in balance, whereas stiff toes can overstress particular parts of your feet when they compensate for the stiffness. You may also benefit from a reduced risk of one-time acute injuries like turf toe. With greater flexibility and range of motion, your toes can safely extend to positions they would not be able to if they weren't flexible. 3. Better proprioception Proprioception is the body's ability to sense its position and movement in space. Flexible toes contribute to better proprioception in the feet, allowing for improved feedback to the brain about the terrain you're walking on, which aids in maintaining balance and preventing injuries. 4. Greater toe functionality Flexible toes can better perform their natural functions, such as gripping the ground while walking or running. A greater range of motion helps propel you forward and reduces strain on other parts of the foot. Regular toe exercises can also increase blood flow to your toes, reducing swelling and inflammation. 5. Reduced risk of falls Maintaining flexibility in your toes can reduce the risk of falls, especially among older adults. Flexible toes help adapt to sudden shifts in weight distribution and uneven surfaces, decreasing the likelihood of tripping or losing balance.

August 5, 2024

Foot Care Tips for Diabetic Feet: Protecting Your Feet from Complications

Many people make it through their days without worrying about every little minor cut, scrape, ache or sensation. But for those with diabetes, foot care is a whole different ball game. Foot care for diabetes patients involves around-the-clock vigilance and solid diabetic foot care tips. These can prevent debilitating and life-altering diabetic foot complications, like severe mobility limitations, ulcers and even gangrene and limb loss. Let’s explore how a little goes a long way when it comes to foot health and diabetes. Low-Impact Exercises and Stretches Exercises and stretches that target diabetic neuropathy is one of the best strategies for protecting feet with diabetes. To keep your feet as strong as possible, you need to stimulate blood flow and make sure nutrient-rich blood reaches your lower extremities. This can help wounds heal. Even if you have lost sensation in your feet, your muscles should still function properly enough to do light exercises. Studies show that non-weight bearing and low-impact exercises and stretches can also improve motor score and help patients with activities of daily living (i.e.: basic chores, climbing stairs, etc). To get started, check out the best exercises and stretches for diabetes. Daily Inspections, Foot Hygiene and Nails Preventing foot ulcers in diabetes patients involves frequently examining your own feet. A chiropodist should also do this for you, but more on that later! Look at your feet multiple times per day. Are there any new wounds? Discolouration? Do your feet feel cold to the touch? Do you possibly have a fungal infection? Any abnormality should be noted. Practice top-notch foot hygiene, as well. You can follow this general foot hygiene guide, but please note that diabetes patients are often advised not to cut their own toenails. Schedule Regular Foot Assessments and Foot Care Services At-home tips are great, but the truth is most diabetics need help managing foot issues. If you have diabetes, cutting your own toenails is often a bad idea because vision loss and neuropathy can cause you to not notice if you cut too deeply. Diabetes also affects the eyesight, so you may not notice any developing issues. And since diabetes causes circulation to the feet, these issues cannot properly heal. That's why one of the best services a chiropodist can perform is a medical pedicure that’s specially catered towards diabetes patients. Your chiropodist can also: Give advice on proper foot care. This often means investing in orthopedic footwear. Provide wound care. Assess for diabetic neuropathy — how severe is it? Assess your blood circulation. Inspect for potential ulcers. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, one of our Toronto chiropodists can perform routine diabetic foot care and diabetic foot assessments to help prevent diabetic foot complications. Click here to learn more about our foot care services for diabetes patients. Additional Diabetic Foot Care Tips Never go barefoot, even at home. Wear house shoes or orthopedic slippers. Being barefoot is too risky for diabetes patients, as if you stub your toe or cut yourself, the wound can't properly heal. Avoid direct heat sources, like a really hot foot bath. It can dry out your skin and make your feet more susceptible to cracking. Consider custom orthotics by learning when you might need them.

July 25, 2024

What’s A Crossover Toe: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Foot pain can be debilitating, affecting our ability to walk, exercise, and perform daily activities comfortably. One common foot condition that causes discomfort and requires attention is crossover toe. This blog post delves into crossover toe, its symptoms, and available treatment options. First off, we'll explain exactly what is a crossover toe. What is a crossover toe? Crossover toe, also known as floating toe or floating fifth toe, is a type of deformity in which the toe drifts out of its normal position and crosses over or under a neighbouring toe. The condition is also known as overlapping toe. The condition generally affects the fourth and fifth toes, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. However, any combination of toes may become an overlapping toe. Roughly 7% of adults—men and women equally — have overlapping toes of some sort. Symptoms of crossover toe Toe pain: Discomfort is often felt at the base of the affected toe, especially when walking or standing for long periods. Swelling and inflammation: The affected area may become swollen and inflamed due to the abnormal positioning of the toe. Uncomfortable shoe fit: Shoes may feel tight or uncomfortable, especially in the toe box area where the affected toe rubs against adjacent toes or the shoe itself. Visual appearance: The affected toe may appear to cross over or under the adjacent toe, giving it a visibly different appearance than the other toes. Corns: Corns will often form on top of crossover toes due to excessive friction and rubbing on the affected toes. Causes of crossover toe Crossover toe can develop due to several factors, including: Foot injuries: Joint and ligament damage caused by unhealed trauma and foot injuries can change the toes' alignment over time. Additionally, arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, can shift the alignment of your toes as it progresses and damages the joints. Foot structure: People with high arches or flat feet are prone to developing overlapping toes. Genetics: Overlapping toes may also be inherited. Many conditions that make one prone to developing an overlapping toe, like arthritis and Morton's toe, have genetic contributing factors. Improper footwear. Wearing shoes that are too short, too narrow or too tight can force the toes into an unnatural position and curl up, which will ultimately lead to the development of a crossover toe. Treatment options for crossover toe Footwear adjustments: Proper-fitting footwear is one of the most important ways to manage a crossover toe. Switching to shoes with a wider toe box can ease pressure on the affected toe and reduce discomfort. You should also make sure you have sufficient space at the end of your shoes (typically 1 cm) for your toes to properly splay. If shoes are too short, your toes will curl up. Many companies, like ASICS, APEX and Saucony, offer a wide-width options to give your feet the extra room it needs. Shoes with a mesh or soft upper are also recommended, as this will reduce pressure and friction on the top of the toes. Orthotics Custom orthotic inserts or pads can help support the arch and redistribute pressure across the foot. This can help promote proper toe alignment and reduce pressure on the crossover toes so that they don't get worse. Foot and Toe exercises: Performing specific exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the toes can improve flexibility and prevent the condition from progressing. Splinting or taping: A foot specialist can tape the affected toe to encourage proper alignment and reduce pain. You can also buy a splint or toe spacer to help stabilize and align the toe. Corn and Callus Treatment: Since crossover toes are extremely prone to corns and calluses, it is very important to see a licensed chiropodist for routine foot care. A chiropodist can safely debride any corns and calluses on your crossover toe, which will reduce pain and irritation.

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