Why Do My Feet Hurt When It’s Cold?
At Caring Podiatry, we know it’s certainly not unusual at this time of the year for our Monmouth and Middlesex County patients to experience cold feet. If, however, you find that the cold temperatures actually make your feet hurt, it may be a sign of a more serious podiatric condition.
Vascular Disease and Nerve Damage
How the cold impacts your feet can be affected by your circulation and/or your nerves. Peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage to the peripheral nerves—those in your feet and hands—can be exacerbated by cold temperatures. Patients may experience discomfort in the form of stabbing pain, burning, tingling, “pins and needles” or numbness. Peripheral neuropathy is most commonly associated with diabetes. But it can also be the result of aging, heredity, arthritis, alcoholism, medications, injury or there may be no known cause.
Another potential reason why the cold may hurt your feet is poor circulation. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when the arteries in the legs and feet narrow due to plaque buildup which, in turn, reduces the blood flow to the lower extremities. Cold weather tends to slow blood blow even further. Other symptoms of PAD include loss of hair on feet, toes and lower legs, numbness, weakness and/or cramping in the legs and feet.
Get a Definitive Diagnosis
If any of the above symptoms sound familiar, it’s important that you contact our Monroe Township (609-860-9111) or our Neptune (732-455-8700) offices to make an appointment. Due to the number of serious potential health issues these symptoms may indicate it’s essential to track down the specific source of your discomfort so that it can be treated properly. Fortunately, we now offer vascular and neurological testing right in our offices. Our podiatrists, Andrew Schmierer, Craig Shapero, and Mark Fillari will examine your feet, get a medical history and recommend the appropriate testing. We offer a service through MedStar Diagnostic that is able to perform vascular tests for PAD and other vascular diseases and sudomotor testing for neuropathy. The results of the test are then read by a vascular or neurology doctor and reported back to you. All these diagnostic tests are covered by insurance.
Neuropathy and vascular disease can affect not only your feet but your entire body. Don’t delay getting your symptoms evaluated. Contact us today to learn more.
