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What Causes Cold Sensation In The Toes And Feet?

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Posted on Tue, 30 Sep 2014
Question: I am currently experiencing cold sensations in my feet and toes, particularly my toes.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Possible Raynaud s phenomenon

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern.


Raynaud phenomenon manifests as recurrent vasospasm of the fingers and toes and usually occurs in response to stress or cold exposure

Secondary Raynaud phenomenon should be distinguished from primary Raynaud phenomenon (Raynaud disease). They are distinct disorders that share a similar name. Raynaud disease is characterized by the occurrence of the vasospasm alone, with no association with another illness. Secondary Raynaud phenomenon is a designation usually used in the context of vasospasm associated with another illness, most commonly an autoimmune disease

Young women who have had Raynaud phenomenon alone for more than 2 years and have not developed any additional manifestations are at low risk for developing an autoimmune disease. The same should not be said for older patients and male patients with Raynaud phenomenon, as vasospastic symptoms may predate systemic disease by as many as 20 years. In some studies, 46%-81% of affected patients have secondary Raynaud phenomenon.

For primary Raynaud phenomenon, the first line of therapy consists of lifestyle measures. If these prove inadequate, the patient may benefit from pharmacologic treatment. Therapy for secondary Raynaud phenomenon must be tailored to the underlying disorder. Patients with secondary Raynaud phenomenon are more likely to require pharmacologic therapy. A variety of drugs are used off-label for treatment; the most commonly used drug is NIFEDIPINE.

Identify AND avoid situations that precipitate their attacks, insulate YOUR hands and feet from the cold. Smoking should be prohibited. warming of the affected body part, and cessation of vasoconstricting agents such as nicotine.Topical nitroglycerin (1% or 2%) has been found to help if applied locally, based on a limited number of controlled studies

If ulcerations develop, patients need to keep them sterile and aggressively treat any infections that may develop. All of this should be done under the supervision of a physician; consultation with a wound care specialist may be useful

Raynaud phenomenon can be diagnosed on clinical grounds. Imaging studies, including thermography, isotope studies, and arteriography, have all been used, but none has proven superior to clinical assessment in office practice. However, patients with a fixed, nonreversible, cyanotic lesion require further evaluation of the vasculature.

Please get your blood pressure, blood sugar checked and if symptoms persist or worsen go to an ER to look for any neurological deficit on the neurological examination , to assess for any further work up in consult with your doctor.





Let me know if you have any query

wishing you best of health

Thanks
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 2906 Questions

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What Causes Cold Sensation In The Toes And Feet?

Brief Answer: Possible Raynaud s phenomenon Detailed Answer: Hello and Welcome I appreciate your concern. Raynaud phenomenon manifests as recurrent vasospasm of the fingers and toes and usually occurs in response to stress or cold exposure Secondary Raynaud phenomenon should be distinguished from primary Raynaud phenomenon (Raynaud disease). They are distinct disorders that share a similar name. Raynaud disease is characterized by the occurrence of the vasospasm alone, with no association with another illness. Secondary Raynaud phenomenon is a designation usually used in the context of vasospasm associated with another illness, most commonly an autoimmune disease Young women who have had Raynaud phenomenon alone for more than 2 years and have not developed any additional manifestations are at low risk for developing an autoimmune disease. The same should not be said for older patients and male patients with Raynaud phenomenon, as vasospastic symptoms may predate systemic disease by as many as 20 years. In some studies, 46%-81% of affected patients have secondary Raynaud phenomenon. For primary Raynaud phenomenon, the first line of therapy consists of lifestyle measures. If these prove inadequate, the patient may benefit from pharmacologic treatment. Therapy for secondary Raynaud phenomenon must be tailored to the underlying disorder. Patients with secondary Raynaud phenomenon are more likely to require pharmacologic therapy. A variety of drugs are used off-label for treatment; the most commonly used drug is NIFEDIPINE. Identify AND avoid situations that precipitate their attacks, insulate YOUR hands and feet from the cold. Smoking should be prohibited. warming of the affected body part, and cessation of vasoconstricting agents such as nicotine.Topical nitroglycerin (1% or 2%) has been found to help if applied locally, based on a limited number of controlled studies If ulcerations develop, patients need to keep them sterile and aggressively treat any infections that may develop. All of this should be done under the supervision of a physician; consultation with a wound care specialist may be useful Raynaud phenomenon can be diagnosed on clinical grounds. Imaging studies, including thermography, isotope studies, and arteriography, have all been used, but none has proven superior to clinical assessment in office practice. However, patients with a fixed, nonreversible, cyanotic lesion require further evaluation of the vasculature. Please get your blood pressure, blood sugar checked and if symptoms persist or worsen go to an ER to look for any neurological deficit on the neurological examination , to assess for any further work up in consult with your doctor. Let me know if you have any query wishing you best of health Thanks