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Cold feet due to neuropathy - need help

Posted by napa @napa, Feb 9, 2020

Hello, I have extremely cold feet due to my neuropathy. The doctors cannot help. Any suggestions or help? Thank you!

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smiddy73 | @smiddy73 | Jun 1, 2025
In reply to @lois6524 "sorry, but your doctor is wrong -- neuropathy can definitely cause cold feet -- but for..." + (show)
Profile picture for lois6524 @lois6524

sorry, but your doctor is wrong -- neuropathy can definitely cause cold feet -- but for some it has the opposite effect that the feet are just burning

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with neuropathy my understanding is that you think your feet are ice cold but they are warm to touch. This is because certain nerves are damaged and don't communicate with your brain as they should...I'm not medically qualified but this is my understanding.

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artemis1886 | @artemis1886 | Jun 2, 2025
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi Debbie, I wear compression socks which are thin and not very warm for my lymphedema..." + (show)
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Hi Debbie, I wear compression socks which are thin and not very warm for my lymphedema so in the winter time I generally slip on a pair of bamboo stretchy socks over the top. This gives me a little more thickness and helps keep the feet a little warmer. On the really cold days when I have to be outside I also wear Hot Sockee - Neoprene Toe Warmers which keep the heat in the front half of my foot - https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Sockee-Neoprene-Warmers-Construction/dp/B076B56FPD/. There are many brands and types of bamboo socks available on Amazon but I haven't seen any locally at stores here.

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A cardiologist will tell you not to sleep in compression hose at night. You are not moving around and it can cause blood clots. I slept in my Ted hose one night got gripped out by cardiologist. I knew better as an RN but I was just so exhausted.
I buy a pair of really soft xxl cashmere socks I sleep in. Before putting the on I put magnesium with hemp cream from Amazon.

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artemis1886 | @artemis1886 | Jun 2, 2025

Sleep with a pair of xxl socks on. I buy cashmere for the softness but Walmart has a really soft sock also.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 2, 2025
In reply to @artemis1886 "A cardiologist will tell you not to sleep in compression hose at night. You are not..." + (show)
Profile picture for artemis1886 @artemis1886

A cardiologist will tell you not to sleep in compression hose at night. You are not moving around and it can cause blood clots. I slept in my Ted hose one night got gripped out by cardiologist. I knew better as an RN but I was just so exhausted.
I buy a pair of really soft xxl cashmere socks I sleep in. Before putting the on I put magnesium with hemp cream from Amazon.

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I also don’t sleep with my compression socks on. I do wear soft diabetic socks after I put lotion on my feet and legs each night.

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johnhenry55 | @johnhenry55 | Jun 2, 2025

First I’m sorry❤️I too have terrible feet. None of the things I’m about to mentioned have permantly cured my neuropathy in my feet but they have helped:
1. Barefoot shoes have really helped build the small muscles and helped my stability.
2.Look up Normatec. It I use these 3-4 times a week in the gym post work out has been very helpful. They have been a god send
3. Feet exercises of trying to spread your toes; squanching up my toes and moving them each day and bending them with my hand back and forth while watching TV. Movement is very important
4. Deep foot massage has been helpful by a therapist
5. Using a heating pad at night on my feet have helped with the cold feeling
6. Weight lifting has been important…
7. Pool aerobics with water shoes on

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jeffrapp | @jeffrapp | Jun 2, 2025

I have similar symptoms.
I was diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy, meaning the cause is not known. This diagnosis can be made without a foot nerve biopsy, but the biopsy is the gold standard, and confirms the diagnosis.
My form of PN causes what is known as allodynia, which is pain such as burning caused by slight pressure such as wearing shoes and socks. I am also subject to pain from minor cold, such as the draft of an air conditioner.
My PN is also associated with a condition called erythromyalgia. My feet turn beet red and warm to the touch and burn when wearing shoes too long, such as wearing bike shoes on a long ride.
I don't think any of this has to do with your podiatric probles. Your flat feet may have led to a condition called metatarsalgia, which is pain at the forward part of the foot at the base of the toes from abnormal positioning of the bones. I had the same thing, had $500 arches made (I think the ones you can buy online are just as good), but the condition mostly resolved.
I hope this helps. Good luck!

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Deniece Miller | @niecie66 | Jun 2, 2025

I also have cold feet and color changes when I am in the sitting position. I can't walk I have stood up 1 time in 5 years. I am going to recommend my doctor to send a referral to a neurologist to diagnose me properly.

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bini41 | @bini41 | Jun 3, 2025
In reply to @smiddy73 "I have an ice cold left foot, which I've had for about 5 years. I'm 75...." + (show)
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I have an ice cold left foot, which I've had for about 5 years. I'm 75. If I go for a decent walk it changes to burning. In bed at night it all goes away and I am like toast in the morning but comes back when I get up.
I was tested for all the usual suspects to no avail ( standard blood tests).I did have a debate about the accuracy of these tests eg for underactive thyroid or B12 deficiency but to no avail. I am very thin and lacking in muscle( I haven't always been like that). I feel cold all the time all over not just feet although my left foot is much worse. There is a debate about testing thyroid function and whether the standard is sufficient,etc but I'll leave that out here. Any comments would be helpful though.
I consulted a neurologist who was thorough, did MRI scans of brain and spine, nerve conduction study too. All ok except my spine had degenerative issues( normal for my age). He asked if i had leg pain . I didn't then so that seems to have led him to conclude I had small fibre neuropathy. He was unsure ( his speciality is dementia it turned out). He introduced me to a colleague who purportedly knew more. He rolled a spherical ball over my foot then told me I had a " neuropathy". That was it. My understanding is that, currently a skin biopsy is required to confirm small fibre neuropathy. He confirmed in writing that I had age related peripheral neuropathy. He never once mentioned small fibre neuropathy. I gave up at this point.
I had a lump on top of my left foot. I can't remember if it was apparent when I saw the neurologists; probably was..My GP referred me for an ultrasound scan. It was totally inconclusive so I got an MRI scan done. Again inconclusive but " could be a swelling on a tendon". The podiatrist suggested leaving for 4 months then getting another MRI scan. This I duly did then met the podiatrist with a colleague.
By then I had been told by a pedorthist I had fallen arches; " collapsed arch" in my left foot. To me, flat feet( adult acquired). I was by this time getting leg pain too. A friend told me he had had the same, quite debilitating, but that getting customised shoe insoles cured the pains for him. I did the same. They have helped to remove the leg pain too. I told the podiatrist all this but she was unconvinced. she kept insisting I had small fibre neuropathy ( I had told her that was the neurology diagnosis). My reading of all this is that a swelling on a tendon, acquired flat feet etc can lead to compression of the tibial nerve in the foot ( tarsal tunnel syndrome or such like).
This is a neuropathy albeit an unusual one. Could I have this. She was adamant I did not have this though so I gave up. But it still lingers....Meanwhile the parasthesia in my left foot persists. I get a little too in the right foot but not nearly so bad.
I've gone on enough. I may have missed bits but think I've set out the main points.
At times the sensations are almost unbearable and getting worse.
Does anyone have anything similar?

PS I did also get checked thoroughly for lumber stenosis by a specialist physiotherapist and was told I didn't have spinal stenosis, another potential reason for my ails.

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I had bad spinal stenosis and had the required surgery. It did not help. My neuropathy is diagnosed as idiopathic meaning there is no cause. I do not believe this. I believe in cause and effect so therefore something has to be causing it but thus far I’ve gotten no answers. I’ve also had decompression surgery on my neurotic leg and that didn’t help either. 😩

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frenchie218 | @frenchie218 | Jun 3, 2025
In reply to @smiddy73 "with neuropathy my understanding is that you think your feet are ice cold but they are..." + (show)
Profile picture for smiddy73 @smiddy73

with neuropathy my understanding is that you think your feet are ice cold but they are warm to touch. This is because certain nerves are damaged and don't communicate with your brain as they should...I'm not medically qualified but this is my understanding.

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Hi. I’m not really replying to anyone specifically, but I’ve had the “cold feet” symptom for a couple years now. I also get discoloration in my lower legs, it’s really noticeable after a shower.

Just wanted to share this device I found, I use it all the time!

I’ve had EMGs and ultrasounds but no specific diagnosis for this bizarre condition. I do however have many spinal tumors (benign thankfully!). I now have dropped foot in both feet as well.

It’s really great to know I’m not the only one with these crazy symptoms!

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sas1413 | @sas1413 | Jun 8 1:53pm

I too have Neuropathy and cold though burning feet. It’s hard to wear shoes though I did buy some inexpensive hiking wide toe box sneakers which look too
large though feel tolerable.Socks are problematic as the elastic or binding will begin hurting my ankles after a brief time. I have found some fabric flannel lined low cut slippers with rubber soles that help.
I’ve been dealing with this for 12 years and have tried many things which are expensive and no help. Recently I read on this site about a product suggested by a fellow sufferer called Wise Men Balm available on Amazon . I’ve been using it about two weeks and helps my pain especially through the night. It’s not expensive and a little goes a long way. It contains Frankincense and Myrrh and coconut oil.
Hope this helps someone else.

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