October is Raynaud’s Awareness Month
What’s Raynaud’s? Well, it’s a disorder that interrupts blood flow to parts of the human body. The interruption of blood flow can affect your feet, too. The doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center want to help you spot the signs during Raynaud’s Awareness Month. The disorder affects 5-10 percent of Americans, according to the Raynaud’s Association. For patients with this disorder, a diagnosis can often be delayed because of doubt or a misdiagnosis. It’s OK to ask questions about changes to your body.
What is happening?
How does your body react to the cold? Have you experienced pain, numbness, or swelling on your toes? Here is another chilly symptom: your skin changes colors — from white to blue. As blood flood is interrupted, color changes and temperatures changes to your toes may come along, too. This experience or attack is associated with Raynaud’s. Take note of when these changes occur. Are you feeling stressed? Do you live in a colder climate?
What are the chances?
Women are more likely to receive a Raynaud’s diagnosis. People who live in colder climates are also at a higher risk. Ask about your family tree, too. People who have close relatives with this disorder may also experience symptoms.
What are the next steps?
If you have questions, we’re committed to helping you find answers. Schedule an appointment with your podiatrist to learn more about what’s causing your cold feet and toes. Poor circulation has many causes. To avoid guessing, check with the experts first. We’re here to help.
Our board-certified team of foot and ankle doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center has experience with addressing foot needs, including bunions and hammertoes, pediatric foot care, custom orthotics, heel pain, diabetic foot care, and more. The team includes Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, and Dr. Laura Vander Poel. We have two locations in Hartford County: 1379 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT, and 1350 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.