Cold Feet Are No Problem for Your Podiatrist
As fall settles in and winter approaches, many Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A. patients report their feet have been feeling chilly. For the most part, it’s a seasonal issue, and you feel better with nothing more than some wool socks and warmer shoes. But, for a few, underlying conditions make it hard to resolve the discomfort. That’s when it’s time to see an expert podiatrist like Dr. James M. McKee and Dr. Adam Weaver. Are you living with cold feet? Let’s explore some of the possible reasons.
Diabetes: This whole-body illness can cause feet to feel cold to the touch and can lead to sensations of coldness resulting from nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy.
Raynaud’s Disease – October is Raynaud’s Awareness Month! In patients with Raynaud’s, the blood vessels in the extremities spasm, causing sensations of cold. You might also notice your toes appear bluish, red, or even white.
Cardiovascular Disease: When the heart is unhealthy, symptoms can appear throughout the body. It is most difficult for the heart to pump enough blood to the extremities, including the feet, which can feel cold as a result. Are you at risk of cardiovascular disease? Factors to consider include diet (be sure to eat plenty of lean protein, whole grains, and colorful fruits and vegetables), exercise (get plenty of it), and smoking (please consider quitting or cutting back now). See your doctor to talk about mitigating your risk.
Other issues that can cause unmanageably cold feet include anemia, low iron levels in the blood, and hypothyroidism, which occurs when your thyroid gland is underactive. These and other less common conditions are easily diagnosed with a simple blood test ordered by your doctor.
Are you dealing with uncomfortably cold feet, or do you have another concern about the health and wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs? It’s time for a visit with your podiatrist. Your foot doctor will conduct a careful examination, arrive at a specific and accurate diagnosis, and work with you to create an effective plan for treatment and ongoing care.
Call the friendly, professional Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A. staff at 410-224-4448 or click here to schedule a convenient appointment with James M. McKee, DPM, FACFAS, and Adam Weaver, DPM, in our office on Old Solomons Island Road today.