Cold feet can be one sign of poor circulation.
In our office, many of our patients with cold feet and poor circulation happen to be diabetics as well. We actually offer a quick, in-office test that evaluates poor circulation problems such Peripheral Arterial Disease “PAD” or Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).
Those with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are at risk to suffer from chilly feet as well as diabetic neuropathy.
Neuropathy often includes sharp stabbing pains and numbness, but it can be managed.
Tips For Managing Neuropathy
- Always wear shoes! If you can’t feel when you’ve stubbed or scraped your foot and you create a wound, an infection can develop.
- Check your feet every day. This goes for all diabetics, but if you do create a wound, you need to detect it as soon as possible.
- Choose shoes with a wide toe box and lots of protection. No sense in flaunting the toes in sandals if you’re prone to injury.
- Clean your room! Don’t have any obstructions in your way that you could trip over in the night.
- Avoid soaking your feet in hot, hot water which could result in a thermal burn. For example, if you’re going to have a pedicure, make sure it’s a healthy pedicure that takes place under conditions that are safe for diabetics.
Think You May Have Neuropathy?
Dr. Brooks performs a test in-office, as a convenience to our patients, that valuates possible nerve damage. Catching the neuropathy in the early stages means that managing it is easier and there are more options.