Feet Feeling Cold and Numb? It Could be Raynaud’s!
Have you noticed in cold temperatures that the color changes in your toes, nose, and/or fingers? Do they also feel cold and numb? If so, you may be part of the millions of people in the United States who suffer from Raynaud’s Syndrome. Because October is Raynaud’s Awareness Month, today Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle are sharing helpful information regarding this condition.
What is Raynaud’s Syndrome?
Also referred to as Raynaud’s disease or Raynaud’s Phenomenon, it is a medical condition that most often develops in the toes and fingers when the small arteries spasm and cause diminished blood flow and color changes in toes and fingers.
The skin will initially turn white, due to diminished blood flow, before turning blue. When blood flow returns to normal, the fingers will tingle and sometimes pulsate, then turn bright red before returning to normal. Affected areas can become downright painful. Typically lasting for minutes, or sometimes hours, episodes are typically triggered by stress or cold temperatures.
Raynaud’s Syndrome: Secondary vs. Primary
Secondary Raynaud’s is caused by other conditions such as lupus, other autoimmune disorders, previous hand injuries, prolonged vibration activities, and arthritis. Secondary Raynaud’s typically develops at an older age and can be more serious than the Primary type.
Primary Raynaud’s is the most common type and is typically less severe. The cause is unknown but is believed to be hereditary and usually develops in females between the ages of 15-30.
7 Tips to Help Manage the Most Common Raynaud’s Symptoms
Keep your feet and hands warm by using:
Battery-powered, heated gloves
Wool or silver socks
Hand/foot warmers inside gloves for cold outdoor activities
Insulated sleeves to hold cold drinks,
Potholders when removing food from a freezer
Heated steering wheels.
2. Perform finger exercises, ankle pumps, arm circles, toe scrunches, ride a stationary bike, or choose your favorite aerobic exercise. Just get moving!
3. Massage the toes or fingers to boost blood flow.
4. Soak in warm water or use a microwaveable hand mitt or moist heat pack on hands/feet to increase circulation.
5. Manage environmental and emotional stress utilizing stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing.
6. If you smoke, stop
7. Physical therapists can teach patients how to use several techniques to help stimulate blood flow and generate heat to reduce or prevent the frequency of onset of symptoms.
If you’re experiencing cold and numbness in your feet or hands and want to know what’s causing it, contact the office of Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in Amarillo, TX, at (806) 322-3338 to schedule a consultation. Don’t suffer needlessly – contact us today!