Why Are My Legs Cold and Numb?

If you've ever asked yourself, "Why is one of my legs cold to the touch?" The answer is often harmless. For instance, you might have been sitting in a way that restricted blood flow to one leg, or you could be in a cold environment. However, while these scenarios are standard and not a cause for concern, sometimes a cold leg could indicate something more serious.

If you experience this symptom infrequently or just once, there’s generally no need to worry. But if one of your legs is consistently cold or if the coldness is accompanied by pain, tingling, or weakness, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD).

What Are Common Causes of Cold Feet and Legs?

One of the most frequent causes of cold feet or legs is exposure to a cold environment. In a cold setting, your body’s natural response is to preserve heat. This is accomplished by constricting the blood vessels in your hands and feet, which limits blood flow to these extremities and helps maintain your core body temperature.

Another common cause is the position in which you sit or lie down. Sitting in certain positions for prolonged periods can restrict blood flow to your legs, making one or both feel cold to the touch. Changing your position or moving around often restores normal blood flow and alleviates the cold sensation.

Some people naturally have colder hands and feet without any underlying health condition. However, the cause of cold feet or legs isn't always benign. For some patients, feeling cold in just one limb could be a symptom of a more severe health issue.

Any unexplained changes to the temperature of your legs followed by pain in one leg, throbbing, or chest pains could be a medical emergency and require immediate attention.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Cold Legs

If you frequently experience chronic coldness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs, it could be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD affects approximately 6.5 million Americans aged 40 and older. This condition is caused by the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, which restricts blood flow to the lower extremities. As a result, your legs may not receive enough blood to meet their needs, leading to a persistent cold sensation.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can present with various symptoms, including pain or cramping in the legs while walking (known as claudication), hair loss on the legs, a faint pulse in the feet, and slow-healing sores or ulcers on the legs or feet.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing PAD, such as a family history of the disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and aging. If you suspect you have PAD, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly. PAD not only impacts your legs but also elevates your risk for coronary artery disease and vascular disease, both of which can lead to severe health conditions, including blood clots or stroke.

What Are Non-Vascular and Common Causes of One of My Legs Being Cold to the Touch?

Cold legs or feet can be a peripheral neuropathy (PN) symptom, often characterized by stabbing, burning, or tingling pain. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when peripheral nerves, which transmit signals from the central nervous system to the rest of the body, are damaged. This nerve damage can lead to unusual sensations, including coldness in the affected areas. Various conditions can cause peripheral neuropathy, such as diabetes (known as diabetic neuropathy), traumatic injuries, exposure to toxins, autoimmune diseases, inherited disorders, liver disease, and kidney disease.

Several other medical conditions can also cause one or both of your feet or legs to feel cold. Raynaud’s Disease, for instance, is a condition where the small blood vessels in your extremities overreact to cold or stress, leading to limited blood flow and a chilly sensation.

Anemia, characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, can result in poor circulation and cold extremities. Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, can slow metabolism, leading to reduced blood circulation and cold legs or feet. High levels of stress and anxiety can cause hyperventilation, leading to cold hands and feet as blood flow is redirected to vital organs.

If you’re experiencing similar symptoms, talk to your primary care doctor to rule out thyroid or neurological issues.

Should I See a Doctor if One of My Legs is Cold to the Touch?

The warning signs of PAD should not be ignored. Chronic coldness, numbness, and tingling in the feet or legs could indicate moderate to severe PAD, mainly if these symptoms occur in just one leg. Having PAD increases your risk of coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, which can result in life-threatening events like heart attack and stroke.

If you notice that one leg is persistently colder than the other or that your feet or legs are cold more often than you think they should be, it's essential to seek medical care.

Your doctor may perform several tests to diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD). These tests may include checking for a faint pulse in the feet, conducting blood tests to assess cholesterol, triglycerides, and diabetes levels, and using an ultrasound to examine the legs and feet.

A vascular specialist may order a non-invasive test called an ankle-brachial index to measure the difference in blood pressure between the ankle and arm. An angiogram, which can be done using X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, might be employed to detect blockages in the arteries.

Cold legs or feet are normal and usually unrelated to a severe condition. However, if your feet are cold more often than they should be, the onset is sudden, or only one leg or foot is cold to the touch, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Identifying the cause early allows for prompt treatment, preventing complications from worsening.

Untreated peripheral artery disease will likely worsen over time, leading to an increased risk of complications—some of which can be life-threatening.

How is Peripheral Artery Disease Treated?

Treating peripheral artery disease (PAD) primarily involves improving the health of your arteries to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The most effective defense against PAD is adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes not smoking, controlling blood sugar levels, eating a diet low in saturated fat, exercising regularly as your doctor recommends, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and maintaining a healthy weight. In addition to these lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe medications to manage symptoms and address underlying causes.

Common medications for peripheral artery disease include pain, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar control. In some cases, medical interventions may be necessary, such as angioplasty and stent placements to open clogged arteries or bypass surgery to create a new path around the blocked artery.

Can I Prevent Peripheral Artery Disease?

Preventing peripheral artery disease (PAD) involves adopting a healthy lifestyle that supports your cardiovascular system. Key steps include quitting smoking, as smoking is a significant risk factor for PAD, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent arterial damage. If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar levels is crucial in reducing the risk of PAD.

Eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while avoiding saturated and trans fats can help keep your arteries clear. Regular exercise, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days, improves circulation and helps maintain a healthy weight, which is essential in preventing PAD.

Regular medical check-ups allow for early detection and management of risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, further reducing your likelihood of developing PAD. By incorporating these lifestyle changes, you can significantly lower your risk and improve your overall cardiovascular health.

Vascular Health Experts at Center for Vascular Medicine

A cold leg is often due to a cold environment or restricted blood flow caused by your position. However, if the coldness is accompanied by pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness, it’s crucial to consult a doctor. These symptoms could indicate a medical condition, such as peripheral artery disease or neuropathy.

Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the management of these conditions and prevent complications. So, don’t ignore the signs—take action to protect your health. Find a Center for Vascular Medicine near you, or call (301) 486-4690 to book an appointment.