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What Causes Bluish Discoloration Of Feet Along With Numbness In Left Foot?

Posted on Tue, 18 Aug 2015

Question: I suspect gangrene is developing in my two feet. I am not sure when it started but I noticed about 1-2 weeks ago my feet were blueish and cold and the left foot was numb and swollen. I am sensitive to the cold and my hands and feet are mostly cold in winter. But it was only about 2 days ago when I noticed black spots formed on my toes and I'm really really worried it's gangrene. I tried washing my feet with warm water and using a heater to make my feet warm and massage it and make movements and the circulation seemed to improve and the feet turned red and the left feet isn't numb or swollen now but the toes are still a bit blue/black and the black spots are still there. I'm worried that it is in the early stage of gangrene. What should i do? I really hope I don't need amputation. I'm only 21 years old

Answered by Dr. Rishi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Looks like Raynauds disease. Keep the extremities warm at all times.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Since when is this problem and have similar episodes occurred in the past?
It seems like Raynauds disease to me. Its probably due to spasm of the arteries of the feet on exposure to cold and is commonly seen in young girls.
I suggest you see your GP or better yet a Vascular Surgeon who can examine you and advice accordingly. I dont advice waiting over this.
If you would have sent a photograph I could be more certain.
At our Vascular Surgery center, we usually advice people with Raynauds to always keep the extremities warm with double or triple pairs of socks and other heating material. We also advice drugs like Tab Diltiazem once or twice a day and this usually helps to relieve the spasm and avoid any surgery for the condition.
But you should definitely get a Consultation as I have suggested earlier.
Take care and do let me know if there are any other queries that I can help you with.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Rishi (7 hours later)

hi thansks for your answer. when I was 17 I went to Melbourne and I noticed my feet was swollen. that was the first time but I didn't take it seriously. then I went back to Malaysia and my feet was healthy and normal. I came back to Australia again and my feet started to get an unhealthy look. it happened mostly during the winter months and cold months. I suspect I am not good with the cold weather. I have booked an appointment to see a GP tonight and will mention your advice to the GP and see what she says. I have consulted 2 other doctors online and one said it could be frostbite. the other said to just do a Doppler colour of the leg test and test your blood sugar levels and see the results, it could be gangrene or if not then it could be vasculitis and later he also mentioned it could be frostbite. but I certainly think it's due to the cold. I have attached two pictures of my feet to show you. please reply back with your opinion. thank you.

Answered by Dr. Rishi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Could be blue toe syndrome or Raynauds.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
It could be Vasculitis though Raynauds is high on the cards. The picture looks like Blue toe syndrome or trash foot which could be due to Embolism.
Color Doppler test of the arteries of the limb would be required to know the status of arteries.
Do let me know the report and then we can move forward with suggestions as to what should be done.
Do not worry.
Take care.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad