Don’t Ignore Cold Feet

Do you often find that your feet feel cold at night, even after you’re under the covers and the rest of you feels warm? If so, you might have poor circulation, a problem that we at Caring Podiatry know can potentially pose a serious threat to your feet and the rest of your body. February is American Heart Month, and we’d like to take this opportunity to share with our Middlesex and Monmouth County patients some important information about poor circulation.

Why the Chill?

Your feet are the part of your body farthest away from your heart. When your circulation is impeded, oxygen-rich blood doesn’t get to your feet as efficiently as it should. One sign of this is that your feet often feel cold. Another term for poor circulation is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). It occurs when plaque from cholesterol and other substances accumulate on the walls of your arteries, slowing down the flow of blood. You may start to experience other symptoms in your feet including:

• Pain

• Numbness or tingling

• Loss of sensations (like heat or cold)

• Changes in skin color

• Discoloration or thickening of toenails

• Hair loss on feet and lower legs

PAD can be particularly dangerous if you have diabetes. Sores, wounds, and other injuries will be slower to heal if you have poor circulation. This increases the risk of infections and even amputations. For patients with PAD, foot deformities like bunions and hammertoes and even minor problems like blisters or cuts can become serious threats.

Treating Poor Circulation

If you notice any of the above signs, it’s essential that you contact our Monroe Township (609-860-9111) or our Neptune (732-455-8700) office as soon as possible for an appointment. Our podiatrists, Andrew Schmierer, Craig Shapero, and Matthew Weintraub will examine your feet and legs and may perform a simple, non-invasive test called an ankle-brachial index which compares blood pressure in your ankles and arms. If PAD is suspected, the foot doctor may refer you to a vascular specialist for additional testing.

There are medical and surgical treatments for PAD but fortunately, there are some lifestyle changes that you can make that may greatly decrease your symptoms and your risk for other heart-related problems. These include stopping smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, losing weight if you are obese or overweight and getting regular exercise every week.

To learn more about PAD and other diseases that can affect your feet, contact us.