Now that it’s Fall, the cold weather is starting. You may begin experiencing coldness in your feet. However, this may be a sign of a unique condition called Raynaud’s Disease. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of it. October is Raynaud’s Awareness Month, so let’s look at everything you need to know about Raynaud’s.
WHAT IS RAYNAUD’S?
Raynaud’s is a common problem. People who have Raynaud’s have over-sensitive blood vessels in their extremities. It causes a more extreme reaction to temperature changes than most people experience, and the reaction may be exaggerated and even severe.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RAYNAUD’S?
The main symptom is a coldness in the extremities, especially the feet and hands. Your nose, lips, and ears may also be affected. These symptoms can last a few minutes up to several hours. Coldness can also be a symptom of diabetes, so it’s best to consult an experienced podiatrist first before self-diagnosing. Other symptoms include:
- Your fingers or toes may change to white or even blue.
- Tingling in your toes or fingers.
- Numbness in the extremities.
- Throbbing and redness as warmth return to the extremities.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
If you are susceptible to Raynaud’s, there are a couple of things you can do:
- Make sure your shoes have thick rubber soles to keep the cold out.
- Wear thick wool socks.
- Keep your entire body warm with several layers of clothes.
- Consume hot beverages throughout the day.
- Keep active as this can increase blood circulation and help keep your extremities warm.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s vital to contact an experienced professional right away. A podiatrist will be able to diagnose this condition and offer the treat the problem correctly.
For more tips and expert advice, call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, Dr. Riane Teagarden, and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.