You can have discolored feet due to several reasons such as diseases, bruising, or poor blood circulation. Other reasons may be your lifestyle, like wearing boots that cause straining while walking with them on. Suppose your condition cannot be explained using the previously mentioned factors. In that case, Mesa foot discoloration providers at Southwest Cardiovascular Associates will prescribe medication to help relieve pain and improve your level of physical activity. The following are problems you should be aware of that can lead to foot discoloration:
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Frostbite
A freezing temperature can damage your fingers and toes, turning your foot purple, blue, grim black, or grey. The damage can be permanent and may result in amputation. Frostbite is a result of poor blood circulation due to cold temperatures, with prevention being the best approach for help. To do so requires protecting your feet and keeping them dry and warm at all times.
Diabetes
This disease damages your nerves and blood vessels around your foot, leaving them weak and vulnerable to having different colors. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you are likely to experience foot problems. Those with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing peripheral artery disease, which will cause leg pain and make it difficult to walk or even climb stairs. Therefore, it is important to pay more attention to your feet if you are diabetic to take steps to prevent further decline.
Peripheral Artery Disease
When peripheral arteries serving your legs become narrow, your blood flow is choked off or blocked as a result. If the blockage persists, your legs might change in size and color appearance, and may even begin to cause walking difficulties. When your carotid artery is blocked, the low blood circulation to your leg may result in either the loss of your limb if you delay treatment or perhaps even a stroke. Factors such as high blood pressure or cholesterol can put you at a higher risk of PAD, though you can manage it through proper medication and a healthy lifestyle.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Surprisingly, this is the most common reason for foot discoloration. This particular condition affects your blood circulation while on your feet. When your blood vessels constrict, your blood supply is reduced and will turn your toes white, blue, red, or purple. These colors may be accompanied by tingling, numbness, and possible pain you may feel when walking. Since this phenomenon is related to cold temperatures, wearing socks for warmth will help.
Injury
If you get injured on your feet, green and yellow colors may accompany a strain or sprain. With minor foot injuries, you can generally heal within a few days when you take pain relief medicines. You can also opt for a home-based approach for your recovery, such as resting, elevating, and applying an ice pack to your injured foot. In addition, bandaging the injury to reduce swelling and discomfort may also help.
If you are experiencing foot discoloration and are not aware of the cause, you should visit Southwest Cardiovascular Associates for medical assistance. Book your appointment today.