Frozen Toes

Cold feet are certainly uncomfortable- whether they're your own or your mate's bumping your leg in the night. Brr! If you've ever allowed your feet to get really cold, you know that it can feel like they'll never be warm again.

But what about feet that feel cold even when the air temperature is a comfortable 74 degrees F? Cold feet aren't necessarily a concern, but they can be a sign of an underlying systemic disease. That's why persistently cold feet should be examine by a qualified podiatrist.

Often, cold feet are a sign of poor circulation. When circulation is adequate, the arterial blood supply to the feet keeps them warm and comfortable. However, when circulation is compromised, feet may feel colder. When this is the case, the feet should be kept warm using natural fiber socks and leather footwear that holds heat in. Because poor circulation, like diabetes, can interfere with healing properties, care should be taken to protect feet from cuts or hot spots that can lead to sores or infections.

Cold feet may also be a sign of peripheral neuropathy, which is characterized by loss of sensation in the feet, and is often a sign of diabetes. Other problems for which cold feet may be a symptom include heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and Raynaud's disease.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
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