Wintertime brings colder temperatures, and you may find yourself wearing more layers to stay warm. Your extremities, such as your hands and feet, tend to feel the chill more harshly this time of year. This is because when your body temperature drops, the blood vessels in the hands and feet constrict to keep blood closer to the internal organs and conserve heat there.
If your feet feel cold this time of year, it is often a normal occurrence. But if you have trouble keeping your feet warm even with a pair of heavy socks, a medical condition might be causing the issue.
Sometimes neuropathy, a type of nerve damage, may cause a cold sensation in your feet. If this is the case, you should consult with a doctor to monitor your condition. A podiatrist can help you relieve neuropathy symptoms so that you can feel more comfortable this winter. Learn more about neuropathy treatment available at your podiatrist’s office by reading on.
What Causes Neuropathy in the Feet?
Nerve damage in the feet means that the brain no longer receives the usual signals from these nerves in response to stimulation in this part of the body. Along with coldness in the feet, you might notice numbness, tingling, or shooting pain in the feet. If these symptoms sound familiar, consult with your podiatrist.
The most common cause of neuropathy in the feet is diabetes. High glucose levels in the blood can damage the blood vessels and impact the supply of blood to the nerves. Other medical conditions, including fibromyalgia, may cause neuropathy as well.
Certain medications can also include neuropathy as a side effect, such as some types of chemotherapy. Your risk of neuropathy may increase if you are above the age of 40 and have a family history of the condition. Alcoholism may also lead to nerve damage that can leave you with neuropathy.
How Can My Podiatrist Treat Neuropathy?
Your podiatrist will evaluate your unique symptoms and medical history to find the best way to treat your case of neuropathy. The cause of the symptoms can play a major role in your treatment plan. For instance, managing diabetes can resolve coldness in the feet and other issues related to neuropathy.
A foot doctor might recommend topical ointments or B-12 injections to address discomfort related to neuropathy. They may suggest magnetic therapy or galvanic stimulation to treat damaged nerves and muscles.
Neuropathy may worsen without treatment from a medical professional, so do not ignore your symptoms. You can prevent the progression of neuropathy with lifestyle changes in some cases. Encourage healthy blood flow to the nerves with regular physical activity and stick to a balanced and nutritious diet.
The length of time it will take to resolve neuropathy discomfort will vary with each case. It may take months or years to treat neuropathy, so do not delay a consultation with your podiatrist about the issue.