Icy feet

[frogvalleyve]

I am wondering if my extremely icy feet are just from poor circulation, due to MS, or is it something else I should have checked. I am not very mobile, but I do try to do some yoga, and I try to massage my feet if I notice that they are cold, any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks to all. Veronica

Me, too.

I don't know exactly if I am being helpful, but I can say that I suffer from the same thing. As a matter of fact, it can sometimes be a whole limb (usually my leg; but has been my arm, too). I am not as mobile as I used to be (which hasn't been so great for several years now), so I also have wondered about it.

I tend to think it is just another yucko sx, because mine first started with the flare I had in September. It helps, sometimes, to massage or to wrap my foot/feet in a lot of blankets for awhile. Eventually, my foot/feet warms back up; even getting hot. I've not asked about any meds for this; mainly b/c I'm really tired of pills.

I hope you are able to find some relief. ***NOTE: I am regularly checked for type 2 diabetes, as it runs in my family. It can't hurt to ask for a glucose test; just in case.

[CasinoKathy]

Hi Veronica- WELCOME to MSWorld!! I know the feeling of cold, icy feet all too well!! Mainly it's my left one, which is my weaker side. My right foot could be somewhat cold- but NOTHING like the left one!!

I had have tests done for circulation way before I was dx, but had issues for afew years. The docs/neuros wondered about a circulation problem maybe, because of the tingling and numbness I was having. But that all was ok- no problem there. My tests for diabetes are always fine. So- I just attribute it to ms affecting my left side. Even my hand, wrist and halfway up to my elbow can be really cold. This isn't a constant thing tho- thank goodness.

I sent for a pair of therapeutic slippers that can be either warmed up in the microwave/ or put in the freezer too, depending on what you need. I have used them both ways. They are great!! Sometimes I get that burning in my feet and the coolness feels so good. I just sit in my chair for awhile to heat or cool my feet in them. They are soft, and they don't freeze anything near solid ( that would be awful- how could you put them on? he-he)

They are called "Hot Sox". I also got a hot/cold therapeutic wrap - shawl, which I use sometimes while sitting here on the computer and watching tv. I get cold real easy, and hubby is on the warmer side, so sometimes I use it instead of cranking up the furnace too high.

I think I have a post on this stuff under Assisted Devices-here on MSWorld if you want to check it out. Good luck and keep warm!! Casino

[twisterred]

Frog,

I also have very cold toes and often hands. Even when it's summer, I have on socks. Silly, but I've been that way for years.

My neuro told me it is because of nerve damage at the end of the limbs.

Diabetics also can experience nerve damage like this.

I'd guess there are other conditions, too. Those are just the two I know.


Cathy,
The hot sox sound great!

[tigergrl74]

Oh my heavens, thank you for posting this. I was thinking that it was just me that this happened to. And I was starting to worry that it was poor circulation, but my feet don't change colors so that didn't make any sense to me. It's good to know that it's normal for MS'ers

[cloudedmoon]

My feet are icy too, but when I touch them they are warm. Putting heat on them makes them spastic. I also have trouble with telling hot and cold in my feet. When I get in the tub or pool my feet feel like the water is boiling hot, when I touch the water it will be tepid or cool. I hate the sensation. My legs have been checked for circulation and they are fine. I don't think there is a med that works on it. If anybody has found one let me know. (((frog)))

[wkikta]

It is possible it is Renaud's Phenomenon. It is a circulation problem that can make your Fingers, Hands, Toes, Feet very cold. I describe it as a crossed signal from the cold place that gets misinterpreted as 'it is too hot here, reduce the blood flow' when it is actually 'it is too cold here, increase the blood flow'. I have it in some of my fingers, the only way to warm them is to put them in my arm pits. Never use warm/hot water since you may be unable to accurately feel the temp and may get burned.

Hi Veronica- WELCOME to MSWorld!! I know the feeling of cold, icy feet all too well!! Mainly it's my left one, which is my weaker side. My right foot could be somewhat cold- but NOTHING like the left one!!

I had have tests done for circulation way before I was dx, but had issues for afew years. The docs/neuros wondered about a circulation problem maybe, because of the tingling and numbness I was having. But that all was ok- no problem there. My tests for diabetes are always fine. So- I just attribute it to ms affecting my left side. Even my hand, wrist and halfway up to my elbow can be really cold. This isn't a constant thing tho- thank goodness.

I sent for a pair of therapeutic slippers that can be either warmed up in the microwave/ or put in the freezer too, depending on what you need. I have used them both ways. They are great!! Sometimes I get that burning in my feet and the coolness feels so good. I just sit in my chair for awhile to heat or cool my feet in them. They are soft, and they don't freeze anything near solid ( that would be awful- how could you put them on? he-he)

They are called "Hot Sox". I also got a hot/cold therapeutic wrap - shawl, which I use sometimes while sitting here on the computer and watching tv. I get cold real easy, and hubby is on the warmer side, so sometimes I use it instead of cranking up the furnace too high.

I think I have a post on this stuff under Assisted Devices-here on MSWorld if you want to check it out. Good luck and keep warm!! Casino

Oh-so-happy for your post, CasinoCathy! Will be looking for your post under assistive devices.

[AnneLouise]

My feet are ice cubes! The only time they're real warm is covered up in bed. And I don't wear socks to bed, either. They will get too hot! Go figure. But if I'm not in bed, my feet are ice cold. I never attributed this to ms. I thought it was poor circulation. My sister-in-law, an acupuncturist, uses heat lamps. Feels good while I'm there, but they're always cold.

And I get cold real easy too. Always in layers. And lots of blankets! I'll have to look into the therapeutic wrap.