Don’t leave your toes out in the cold!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Colder temperatures can be cruel to your feet. We don’t often think about the risks associated with exposing our feet to the cold winter elements. Exposed feet means going barefoot, wearing heels or wearing any open toe shoe where skin is exposed. What’s considered winter weather? When most people hear the term they think snow, ice, sleet and wind. That’s not always the case! Even if none of these conditions exist, make sure to check the temperature outside so you can select the proper footwear to keep your toes warm and toasty!

One of the most well-known cold weather culprits is frostbite. If you expose your feet to cold weather for a prolonged period of time, you may be at risk for this serious condition. Frostbite’s first symptom is a painful, burning sensation in the exposed areas. Numbness in the toes or feet and changes in your skin color occur next. Your skin can change from a pale, red color to a bluish-gray or black. If you’ve had frostbite before, watch out! People with a history of this condition are more susceptible to suffer with it again in the same location on the body!

If you think you’re suffering from frostbite, first and foremost get yourself out of the cold as quickly as possible! However, keep in mind not to expose your feet to extremely hot temperatures. If you do this, you will just end up burning your flesh. Make sure to keep your feet dry and it’s important to gradually warm them. Most importantly, seek emergency medical care as soon as possible!

If you have any questions regarding frostbite and your feet or general foot care, contact us at Central Connecticut Footcare Center, LLC by calling (203) 238-3668 or visiting our website!

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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/
Order your feet copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!