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Winter Foot Pain
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Jody_Wood posted:
My daughter is 16 and has been experiencing a condition with her feet since she was 13 or 14. In the winter (i.e. when it's cold) her feet turn to a bright red, then a dark red and sometimes purple. She experiences pain - sometimes severe - and numbness. During this time, she also gets what appears to be a rash on and slightly in-between her toes that itches, hurts and eventually peels off then comes back. At first, we thought the discoloration was because her feet were simply getting cold, so we had her wear thicker socks. While this does alleviate the symptoms, the never completely recede until warmer weather returns.

We have taken her to three different specialists, one orthopedic, one cardiovascular and one orthopedic specialist that specializes in feet. Through a barrage of tests, they just say "well, we can't find anything wrong ,just keep her in thick socks." This seems to be treating the symptom and not the cause, and has moderate results at best.

More information: My daughter is a fair complected redhead. Average/medium build, but not "athletic". No signs of diabetes or any other assignable medical affliction.

I'm not looking for an online diagnosis, I'm just seemingly out of options for where to go from here. I hate seeing my child in pain, and the only treatment is wearing several layers of thick socks. What I am looking for is maybe a different direction. Any feedback is appreciated.
2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Winter Foot PainMy daughter is 16 and has been experiencing a condition with her feet since she was 13 or 14. In the winter (i.e. when it's cold) her feet turn to a bright red, then a dark red and sometimes purple. She experiences pain - sometimes severe - and numbness. During this time, she also gets what appears to be a rash on and slightly in-between her toes that itches, hurts and eventually peels off then comes back. At first, we thought the discoloration was because her feet were simply getting cold, so we had her wear thicker socks. While this does alleviate the symptoms, the never completely recede until warmer weather returns. <br /> <br />We have taken her to three different specialists, one orthopedic, one cardiovascular and one orthopedic specialist that specializes in feet. Through a barrage of tests, they just say "well, we can't find anything wrong ,just keep her in thick socks." This seems to be treating the symptom and not the cause, and has moderate results at best.<br /> <br />More information: My daughter is a fair complected redhead. Average/medium build, but not "athletic". No signs of diabetes or any other assignable medical affliction. <br /> <br />I'm not looking for an online diagnosis, I'm just seemingly out of options for where to go from here. I hate seeing my child in pain, and the only treatment is wearing several layers of thick socks. What I am looking for is maybe a different direction. Any feedback is appreciated.
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watercolorbutterfly responded:
Did anyone give a possible diagnosis of Raynaud's Disorder? This a constriction of the blood vessels in the extremetries, most often in the hands, that can be very painful. The symptoms sound very similar. As a behavioral psychologist, I have seen this disorder treated successfully treated with relaxation training that has the patient focus on visualizing the dilation of blood vessels in their hands and feet. With training, patients have been very successful in controlling this very real and painful disorder. Please know that just because there is a behavioral treatment, does not mean that this is a psychological disorder or that this implies that this is "all in your loved ones head." It is just that there have been limited methods of treatment. It takes a while to learn how to control the parasympathetic response and increase the blood flow to the extremeties through relaxation and visualization, but it can work with effort and patience.

I hope you find some answers to help your daughter.
Report This| Share this:Winter Foot PainDid anyone give a possible diagnosis of Raynaud's Disorder? This a constriction of the blood vessels in the extremetries, most often in the hands, that can be very painful. The symptoms sound very similar. As a behavioral psychologist, I have seen this disorder treated successfully treated with relaxation training that has the patient focus on visualizing the dilation of blood vessels in their hands and feet. With training, patients have been very successful in controlling this very real and painful disorder. Please know that just because there is a behavioral treatment, does not mean that this is a psychological disorder or that this implies that this is "all in your loved ones head." It is just that there have been limited methods of treatment. It takes a while to learn how to control the parasympathetic response and increase the blood flow to the extremeties through relaxation and visualization, but it can work with effort and patience. <br /> <br />I hope you find some answers to help your daughter.
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Jody_Wood replied to watercolorbutterfly's response:
Thank you for your reply. Since my post, and with a LOT of research on the internet, we have "self-diagnosed" her with Raynaud's Disorder. Once again, the doctors around the area shy away from taggin it Raynaud's, citing that she's too young, she doesn't smoke, she doesn't have circulation issues...blah, blah, blah. I didn't know that relaxation techniques would aid in the relief of this condition. I will begin working with her through meditation and visulation techniques.

Thank you again for your reply.
Report This| Share this:Winter Foot PainThank you for your reply. Since my post, and with a LOT of research on the internet, we have "self-diagnosed" her with Raynaud's Disorder. Once again, the doctors around the area shy away from taggin it Raynaud's, citing that she's too young, she doesn't smoke, she doesn't have circulation issues...blah, blah, blah. I didn't know that relaxation techniques would aid in the relief of this condition. I will begin working with her through meditation and visulation techniques.<br /><br />Thank you again for your reply.
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