Winter and your Feet
This year we have had a very late and cold winter. Due to
the significant low temperatures I have been seeing a lot of people with
complaints of cold, discolored feet. Many of these patients are young healthy
woman and are concerned about losing the circulation in their feet. Many of
these patients state that they have never had these symptoms before and are concerned.
After testing and further questioning, these patients are diagnosed with
Raynaud’s phenomenon.
What is Raynaud’s
phenomenon?
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition of vasospasms, which
means there is decreased blood flow due to the cold temperature or stress. This
can cause the toes and fingers to turn different colors, including purple, red
or blue. Other symptoms of this phenomenon are extreme cold extremities and
pain. This phenomenon is not to be confused with Raynaud’s disease, which is a
systemic condition usually caused by a disease process.
The three colors of Raynaud’s are white, which is the
initial stage, when there is decrease blood to the toes. The second stage is
blue fingers and toes, which is due to a decrease in the oxygen to the
extremities. The third and last phase is when the toes turn red, which is when
temperature increases and blood returns to the digits.
How is this diagnosed
and treated?
Diagnosis can be made by either clinical appearance or via a
biopsy. Many patients that first present with this have a confusing appearance
to their toes. It looks like a mix of Raynaud’s and dermatitis (which is a skin
irritation). A biopsy will deny or confirm the diagnosis.
There are many options for treatment. The first option for a
mild case is to wait until the weather gets warmer or the stress decreases. Stopping
to smoke and decreasing caffeine intake can also diminish the symptoms. There
are topical medications that can be prescribed to help vasodilate, or increase
blood flow to the digits. If a topical medication does not work there are oral
medications, which are blood pressure medications. Since blood pressure
medications vasodilator the arteries they will help to decrease the symptoms of
the Raynaud’s. If a patient has a severe case, which is associated with other
diseases, there is surgery to help decrease the symptoms. Lately, Botox has
been used in extreme cases of painful Raynaud’s
In conclusion, during the winter months, it is important to
keep your digits warm and not allow long times of exposure to cold climates. If
you are unsure of what is causing your skin to change colors, please go to your
physician for a consultation.
For more information, please visit our website at www.footnj.com
