Feet Still Feeling Cold? It Might Be Raynaud's Disease

For most people, the wool socks and fur-lined boots help to keep feet warm. But what if you are doing everything you should to warm your feet, and they are cold anyway? It might be a sign of Raynaud's disease, a common circulatory disorder.

There are two types of Raynaud's disease: primary Raynaud's and secondary Raynaud's. Primary Raynaud's is idiopathic, meaning it has no known cause. Secondary Raynaud's, however, can be attributed to factors including:

  • other diseases that affect the circulatory system such as peripheral arterial disease or diabetes

  • autoimmune diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis

  • medication side effect

  • tobacco use

  • frostbite

Cold temperatures are the most common trigger for an attack of Raynaud's but, of course, our perception of cold is subjective. When an attack of Raynaud's disease is triggered, blood vessels in the affected area spasm, temporarily narrowing and limiting blood supply. This commonly happens in the toes and can also occur in the fingers. The toes (or fingers) begin to feel cold and numb and soon turn white or even blue. As the blood vessels calm, blood flow returns and the digits warm up, but this process can be uncomfortable.

Cold temperatures are the most common trigger for attacks. It's normal for the body to narrow the small blood vessels to the skin and to open the blood vessels to the inside parts of the body to keep the body warm when exposed to cold. In people with Raynaud's, the body restricts blood flow to the skin more than it needs to. Feet and toes, and occasionally hands and fingers, become excessively cold and remain that way for prolonged periods of time.

There is no cure for Raynaud's Disease, but your foot doctor can help with effective treatment and there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of an attack:

  • Keep your body warm.

  • Wear insulated boots and wool socks

  • Keep feet dry.

  • Quit or reduce smoking today.

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

  • Reduce stress.

If you think that you may have Raynaud's Disease, or if you have any other concern about the health and well-being of your feet, ankles, or lower legs, it's time to see the podiatrist

Contact Podiatry Group of Annapolis and let us help with all your foot and ankle needs. Dr. James Mckee and Dr. Adam Weaver are experienced and dedicated podiatrists who provide high-quality individualized care. Call us today at 410-224-4448 or visit us online to make an appointment at our conveniently located Annapolis office.

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