What Causes Cold Sensation In The Toes And Feet?
Possible Raynaud s phenomenon
Detailed Answer:
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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.
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