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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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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 15, 2021
In reply to @footblizzard "Thank you for your response. I don't have diabetes and am not an alcoholic. A DOD..." + (show)
@footblizzard

Thank you for your response.

I don't have diabetes and am not an alcoholic. A DOD pain management doc believes the numbness and coldness likely is from the spine. I don’t remember the specifics, but the X-rays and MRIs indicate lower lumbar DDD, L4-5 anterior spondylolisthesis, and severe central canal and lateral recess stenosis. Before neuromuscular testing in the leg and foot, this doc indicated that neuromuscular testing doesn’t always show a problem even when there is a physical problem. And the neuromuscular testing done on my leg and foot did not show a problem. Nonetheless, the progression of the coldness and numbness seems to gee-haw with spinal problems.

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Another thought since you mentioned it seems to be related to spinal problems, have you heard of Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR)? There is a discussion started by @jenniferhunter you might find helpful.

Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

REPLY
footblizzard | @footblizzard | Nov 15, 2021
In reply to @jenatsky "Sorry to read about you issues with cold feet due to PN. Unfortunately you're never going..." + (show)
@jenatsky

Sorry to read about you issues with cold feet due to PN. Unfortunately you're never going to accomplish your goal of warming up your feet due to your misconnected peripheral nervous system. Reading the way you're headed you may end up burning yourself or worse. You cannot, so far, regain what you've lost peripheral nerve wise. There are clinical trials currently investigating the redevelopment of peripheral nerves but not so far. Please be careful with your leg skin since you cannot feel temperature any longer?

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Thanks for your concern. I understand that high heat can lead to burns. But, currently, the feet still feel pain, and the heat sources used are not getting very warm. Numbness may make it feel as if I'm wearing toe-post sandals when I'm barefooted; and, intermittently, numbness makes walking uncomfortable (part of my job before retirement). Therefore, the coldness preventing sleep is my primary issue.

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footblizzard | @footblizzard | Nov 15, 2021
In reply to @bcool123 "RockDove Nomad Slippers really help warm up my cold toes. Sometimes to the point that my..." + (show)
@bcool123

RockDove Nomad Slippers really help warm up my cold toes. Sometimes to the point that my toes get too hot and then I have to take the slippers off. But they have helped me more than socks or heating pads. I got them from Amazon they are pretty comfortable. Plus being wide enough in the toebox. Maybe they will help you too

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Thanks. Do you wear them in while sleeping?

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1 reply
footblizzard | @footblizzard | Nov 15, 2021
In reply to @catstx "I, too, get very cold feet at night. I bought a new SleepNumber bed and paid..." + (show)
@catstx

I, too, get very cold feet at night. I bought a new SleepNumber bed and paid extra for the foot warmer feature. It looks like a large flat heating pad with 3 levels of heat. I’ve only gone to first level. I can tell you that it’s made my sleeping much more comfortable

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Great idea.

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footblizzard | @footblizzard | Nov 15, 2021
In reply to @marye2 "I used thermo pads for a broken shoulder, attached to my long sleeve. I wouldn't use..." + (show)
@marye2

I used thermo pads for a broken shoulder, attached to my long sleeve. I wouldn't use a neoprene sleeve or splint with it, however. Microwaveable heat is preferable to a heating pad. I like my "bed buddy" brand, and I also keep one in the freezer for other pain. I wonder: does capcasin cream help? It is supposed to help circulation, but may affect feeling, too.

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I used a pair of Bed Buddies before the condition worsened. They heat for about 30 minutes or so, but now, however, I need heat throughout the night. I haven't found a lot of therapeutic-level heat unless the heating pad has an electric cord. // I haven't tried capsaicin for this situation, but I will give it a try.

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2 replies
footblizzard | @footblizzard | Nov 15, 2021
In reply to @marye2 "I have Raynauds, which is a more vascular situation. I warm my feet/hands in warm water..." + (show)
@marye2

I have Raynauds, which is a more vascular situation. I warm my feet/hands in warm water until they are comfortable and then wear socks to help hold the heat.

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Thanks. Another reason to shower at night.

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marye2 | @marye2 | Nov 15, 2021
In reply to @footblizzard "I used a pair of Bed Buddies before the condition worsened. They heat for about 30..." + (show)
@footblizzard

I used a pair of Bed Buddies before the condition worsened. They heat for about 30 minutes or so, but now, however, I need heat throughout the night. I haven't found a lot of therapeutic-level heat unless the heating pad has an electric cord. // I haven't tried capsaicin for this situation, but I will give it a try.

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There are heating pads that turn off automatically after awhile. If you leave them on high, you risk burns, so the bed buddies are better in that sense.

REPLY
jenatsky | @jenatsky | Nov 15, 2021
In reply to @footblizzard "I used a pair of Bed Buddies before the condition worsened. They heat for about 30..." + (show)
@footblizzard

I used a pair of Bed Buddies before the condition worsened. They heat for about 30 minutes or so, but now, however, I need heat throughout the night. I haven't found a lot of therapeutic-level heat unless the heating pad has an electric cord. // I haven't tried capsaicin for this situation, but I will give it a try.

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You're fighting your neurologic system having lost the control of temperature in your feet. Just be careful not to burn yourself because possibly no matter what you do you may not reach the level of feeling you're searching for.

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bcool123 | @bcool123 | Nov 16, 2021
In reply to @footblizzard "Thanks. Do you wear them in while sleeping?" + (show)
@footblizzard

Thanks. Do you wear them in while sleeping?

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I haven’t worn the rock Deb slippers to bed… Yet! They are pretty bulky for that.

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1 reply
dwlowrance | @dwlowrance | Nov 22, 2021

Hello Mayo Group, I suffered from cold hands and feet for 15 years until January, 2021. My Doc told me I had Reyes(sp) Syndrome and there was no known cause or way to lessen or cure the malady. On November 30, 2020, I learned about a fungus called and sold as Lions Mane used in Chinese medicine for nerve damaged system disorders including Small Fiber Peripheral Neuropathy. I bought a bottle from the web and took the pills for 90 days as a desperate attempt to reduce nerve damage to my toes. Instead, my cold hands and feet improved about 90% better. Now I take the Lions Mane in cold weather to ameliorate the cold hands and feet. The chemical content of the Lions Mane was analyzed by a medical researcher I know and found to contain chemicals in the fungus that can help repair nerve damage. What ever the cause, the outcome works for me and makes my winters more bearable. My wife of 48 years is especially grateful for the loss of cold hands and feet! Perhaps Mayo has some experience with this situation. Best Thanksgiving Regards.

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