Numbness and Cold Feet: Circulation, Vein Disease, and Treatment in Los Angeles
Do you often experience numbness, tingling, or cold sensations in your feet? While occasionally having cold feet is normal, persistent symptoms may indicate an underlying circulation problem. Poor blood flow from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), peripheral artery disease (PAD), or nerve conditions like neuropathy can all contribute to these sensations.
At the Vein & Wound Center of LA, we specialize in identifying whether vein disease is a factor and provide advanced, minimally invasive treatments to restore comfort and improve circulation.
What Causes Numbness and Cold Feet?
Several conditions may cause your feet to feel cold or numb:
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) – Weak or damaged vein valves lead to blood pooling in the legs, increasing pressure and irritating nerves. This may cause numbness, tingling, or cold sensations.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) – Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the feet, often causing cramping, pain, or coldness.
- Peripheral neuropathy – Common in diabetes, nerve damage can cause numbness, burning, or tingling in the feet.
- Spinal or nerve compression – Such as from herniated discs or sciatica.
- Lifestyle and environmental factors – Sitting too long, smoking, or exposure to cold temperatures.
Venous Insufficiency and Cold Feet
While PAD and neuropathy are well-known causes, many patients don’t realize that venous insufficiency can also contribute to cold, numb feet. When blood pools in the legs instead of circulating properly, it can:
- Increase pressure inside the veins
- Cause swelling, tingling, and heaviness
- Reduce tissue oxygenation, leading to a “cold feet” sensation
- Lead to long-term skin changes or ulcers if untreated
Other common symptoms of venous insufficiency include:
- Leg heaviness or aching
- Swelling around the ankles or calves
- Varicose or spider veins
- Brown skin discoloration (hemosiderin staining)
Treatment Options for Numbness and Cold Feet
At the Vein & Wound Center of LA, our goal is to address both the symptoms and the root cause.
Conservative Management
- Compression stockings to improve circulation
- Lifestyle changes such as walking, elevating legs, and smoking cessation
- Skin care and exercise routines to support blood flow
Minimally Invasive Vein Treatments
If venous insufficiency is diagnosed, treatment options include:
- Endovenous thermal ablation – sealing diseased veins with heat
- Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy – closing faulty veins with medication
- Varithena® foam therapy – effective for larger varicose veins
- Ambulatory phlebectomy – removal of surface varicosities
These procedures are performed in-office with little downtime, allowing most patients to return to daily activities quickly.
When to See a Vein Doctor
You should seek care if you have:
- Persistent numbness or coldness in your feet
- Symptoms that interfere with sleep, walking, or daily activities
- Cold feet combined with swelling, varicose veins, or skin changes
- Wounds on your feet or ankles that are slow to heal
Prompt evaluation ensures the correct cause — whether vein-related or otherwise — is identified and treated.
Expert Vein and Circulation Care in Los Angeles
At the Vein & Wound Center of LA, Dr. Christopher Kim and our team offer expert evaluation and treatment for numbness, tingling, and cold feet. Using state-of-the-art diagnostics, we can determine whether venous insufficiency is the cause and design a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
👉 Call us at (213) 654-8346 or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation.
