Thursday, August 22, 2013

My Toe is Changing Color

Is your toe starting to turn a different color. Is it bluish or black? Changes in color can be linked  to blood flow and if you are diabetic then it is even more possible that it could have to do with your blood flow. As we start to get older, our pipes can start to get blocked and the arteries and veins may not work as well as they once did. If you are not getting enough blood flow to the area, you may start to notice the changes in skin color as a result.

So, what should you do? When the color of your skin starts to change, it is important that you come to see your podiatrist so that they can help you determine what the change in color is due to. If it has to with blood flow, then it will be necessary to get blood flow studies to see how much blood is getting to your toes. If their is a blockage, then it may be something that vascular needs to intervene on.

Toe color changes can also result from poor venous return and so the blood pools in your feet and you can end up having color changes due to the collection of heme, a metal in your blood that can't be broken down. So, instead it collects and changes the color of  your skin to a dusky black color.

If you notice the color of your toes changing you should seek care from your  podiatrist. There could be a problem with your blood flow that can become much worse if not taken care of quickly. If you live in the Dracut or Chatham, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.

1 comment:

  1. i accidentally kicked a fold up metal chair, injuring the toe next to my pinky toe...ive been icing my foot 4 the past 4 days and walking on it too...this afternoon when i got off work i noticed bruising, purplish color on my toes..could it be poor blood flow due to it probably being broken?

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