Warm up cold feet

April 2, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: What are the possible reasons for my extremely cold feet and toes?

DEAR READER: There are a number of possible causes, including exposure to cold, hypothyroidism, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral-artery disease and Raynaud’s. Many disorders share symptoms, so you might need some follow-up.

If you were exposed to extreme cold without adequate protection, exposure could be the answer. Perhaps you were outside for a long time in frigid temperatures without benefit of socks, footwear or warm boots.
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Stay warm if you have Raynaud’s

March 20, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Do you have any information on Raynaud’s disease? Is there anything that can help? This is in my fingers and toes.

DEAR READER: Raynaud’s phenomenon is a disorder of the small blood vessels within the body that supply the skin with oxygenated blood. It commonly affects women between the ages of 15 and 50. When the condition is present, the arteries involved contract briefly. This, in turn, limits blood flow. When the skin is deprived of blood, it turns white, then blue, and skin temperature is affected. As a general rule, there is no pain, but numbing or prickly sensations can occur. As the arteries relax, blood flow returns and the skin turns pink again. The condition is temporary. Raynaud’s can attack the nose, ears, hands and feet. There are two forms of Raynaud’s, primary and secondary. When caused by another disease or risk factor because of lifestyle such as smoking, it is referred to as secondary.
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