Why do my legs feel cold?

Feeling cold in the legs is a common problem that affects many people, particularly in winter or in cool environments. Whether due to poor circulation, a lack of thermal insulation, prolonged exposure to the cold or medical causes, it can be accompanied by numbness, pain or a loss of feeling, all of which can affect daily well-being.

If you're often faced with this problem, there are effective solutions to keep your legs warm, thanks in particular to alpaca wool garments. Find out more about the causes of this phenomenon, how to avoid it, and the benefits of natural fibres for optimum thermal comfort.

The main causes of cold legs

1. Poor blood circulation
One of the most common causes of cold legs is poor circulation. When blood circulation is poor in the lower limbs, they do not receive enough heat, which leads to a persistent feeling of cold. There are several factors that can cause this phenomenon:

• Lack of physical activity: as well as being harmful to health, lack of physical activity slows down blood circulation. 
• Smoking: narrows blood vessels and limits blood supply.
• Raynaud's syndrome: a condition that causes blood vessels to narrow excessively in response to cold.
• Health problems such as diabetes or hypothyroidism: these conditions can disrupt circulation and aggravate the sensation of cold in the legs. 

To improve blood circulation, we recommend regular physical activity, avoiding clothing that is too tight, and opting for thermal clothing such as alpaca. 

2. Winter temperatures
Cold naturally slows down blood circulation and therefore the supply of heat to the body's lower limbs.

3. Unsuitable clothing
Wearing synthetic or poorly insulating materials encourages heat loss. So it's a good idea to favour naturally insulating materials such as alpine wool, which is seven times warmer than sheep's wool. 

How can I avoid cold legs in winter?

Avoiding cold legs in winter can be a major challenge. However, rest assured that there are various solutions to this problem, which can become a real handicap in everyday life. Here are some good habits to adopt if you often feel cold in your legs.  

• Wear thermal clothing: by choosing natural materials such as alpaca wool, which offer optimum insulation, you can ensure that you're always warm despite the harsh winter temperatures.
• Avoid unsuitable footwear: if you wear poorly insulated shoes or shoes that are too tight, you run the risk of aggravating the problem of cold legs.
• Opt for insulating insoles and thermal tights under your trousers.
• Adopt a suitable diet: eating foods rich in iron and omega-3s improves blood circulation, thereby reducing the feeling of cold in the legs.
• Stimulation exercises: stretching and massaging the legs helps blood circulation and prevents the legs from getting cold.

Is coldness in the legs a sign of illness? 

Feeling cold in the legs can be unpleasant in everyday life, especially when it is persistent. In some cases, a persistent feeling of cold in the legs may be a symptom of an underlying illness. Here are some of the medical causes of cold legs:  

• Anemia: an iron deficiency can lead to poor oxygenation of the tissues.
• Thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism can slow down the metabolism and cause a sensation of cold.
• Neuropathies : these are nerve lesions linked to diabetes or other illnesses that can affect the body's thermal perception. 

Finally, if your sensation of cold is accompanied by pain, tingling or numbness, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Why choose alpaca wool to combat the cold?

Alpaca wool is an exceptional natural fibre that offers incomparable warmth while remaining lightweight. It has a number of advantages:

• Optimum thermal insulation: its hollow structure retains heat while remaining lightweight.
• Temperature regulation: it's a thermoregulating wool, meaning it maintains body heat without making you sweat. 
• Extremely soft: softer than sheep's wool, it's perfect for sensitive skin.
• Hypoallergenic: It contains no lanolin, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
• Durability: Wear-resistant, it retains its insulating properties over time, even after several washes.

Choosing baby alpaca garments will keep you warm and comfortable.

BellePaga tips for keeping your legs warm

At BellePaga, we've designed a range of baby alpaca garments to give you natural warmth and optimum comfort. Here are our top tips to combat the feeling of cold legs:

• Opt for our alpaca socks: Ultra warm and soft, they regulate temperature and keep your feet dry. So you don't have to wear pairs of socks all the time!
• Combine them with our alpaca scarves and jumpers for a complete and elegant outfit against the cold.

Don't let the cold get to your legs! Choose alpaca wool clothing and accessories for unrivalled thermal comfort. Discover our women's and men's collections, as well as our baby alpaca socks to face winter serenely. Choose alpaca for a cold-free winter!