Months of ice and cold have passed. The holidays are over, winter Olympics are done, and Valentine’s Day is past. The year is progressing quickly—but even though spring is right around the corner, winter isn’t finished yet. The temperatures are still low and, in some places, the snow is still falling. With a season like this one, cold feet are common. However, if you have diabetes and take care of your lower limbs but still have cold feet, you may have a different issue. Complications like peripheral neuropathy can cause trouble with temperature.
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage from high and fluctuating sugar levels. As the nerves break down, they can misfire and send inaccurate information to the brain. Usually this means you feel a burning or stinging sensation, but it can also cause temperature sensitivity. The circulation troubles that can accompany the condition don’t help, either—the decreased blood flow means less warmth is flowing through your lower limbs.
The combination of damaged nerves and poor circulation can put you at risk for other damage, too. Your feet are more prone to injuries and have a harder time recovering. Also, the more the peripheral neuropathy progresses, the worse your symptoms are. The icy toes you’re suffering from could be a warning sign that needs to be addressed right away.
Cold feet may be normal in winter, but if you have diabetes, it could actually be a symptom of a serious complication in your condition. Contact the experts at Martin Foot and Ankle for an appointment or more information. They can help you increase your foot warmth and care for your lower limbs. Visit the online contact page or call (717) 757-3537 to reach our offices in Hanover, Lancaster, Lititz and York.
