Purple Foot - Causes and Treatment

Introduction

Purple feet are a sign of concern among both the elderly people and the young ones. This is because the discoloration happens due to some underlying health condition. Apart from major health issues, one might also have had bruises that temporarily turned into a shade of black, blue, or purple. These injuries heal on their own and do not need further treatment. One needs to worry if the feet start to turn purple without any bumps or bruises. That is the time to visit a doctor because the reason might be related to circulation issues which is a very serious problem.

What Causes Purple Feet?

Purple feet can happen due to circulation issues. Several conditions can disrupt the healthy flow of blood between the heart and the feet. In most cases, treatment improves circulation, and the color returns to normalcy again. Some of the health concerns affecting the circulation of blood are :

1. Ischemic Foot - Ischemia happens when there is a reduction of healthy blood flow in one or more than one artery. If someone has an ischemic foot, it means there is not an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood in their foot. This can also happen from a buildup of cholesterol plaque in one of the main arteries that supply blood to the foot or maybe a blood clot that prevents blood flow in the artery. In some cases, the artery might become injured from some puncture wound or blunt trauma. There are many risk factors associated with the ischemic foot, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and a history of vascular problems. Additionally, one may also feel pain in their feet and lower legs while walking. The only way to prevent themselves from ischemic toes is by reducing their cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels with the help of proper rest and medication.

2. Acrocyanosis - This condition is responsible for reduced blood flow to the foot. The term acrocyanosis means bluish discoloration of the skin caused by reduced oxygenation to the extremities. Spasms of tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin cause acrocyanosis. When there is a spasm in some artery, it constricts all of a sudden, leading to a brief tightening that can reduce or completely stop the blood flow. Thus acrocyanosis causes the skin color to turn purple, leading to purple feet. This is generally painless and exhibits no other noticeable symptoms. Women are more affected by this condition than men.

3. Raynaud's disease - This is a condition that is triggered by cold conditions and turns the skin color blue or purple. Raynaud's disease begins in the twenties or teens and affects women more than men. The main difference between Raynaud's disease and acrocyanosis is that episodes of Raynaud's disease may come and go, whereas acrocyanosis stays. This is because Raynaud's disease affects the small blood vessels, while acrocyanosis affects the larger arteries of the foot and hands. There are two types of Raynaud's disease - Primary and secondary. Primary Raynaud's disease can be mild, like one can have it but does not realize it. Secondary Raynaud's disease is complicated, on the other hand. It can cause scleroderma, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other connective tissue diseases.

4. Diabetes - This is the complication that is most talked about when it comes to the feet. The main two damages that diabetes causes are the reduction in healthy circulation and loss of healthy nerve functioning. One can easily notice if their blood circulation is affected by diabetes by the changing color of their skin. This is because the skin changes its color to grey, blue, and purple. Some people also develop rashes and patches on their skin. High blood sugar levels damaging the wall of the arteries mainly causes issues in diabetic people, which further reduces normal blood circulation to the foot.

5. Frostbites - Human body prioritizes healthy circulation to internal organs over normal blood flow to the extremities, which is why blood circulation in hand and feet get reduced under cold weather conditions. Frostbites happen when the body is exposed to extreme cold weather conditions. One may suffer from superficial frostbites that might turn the skin red and hard, while deep frostbites turn the skin purple. It is considered a medical emergency if the skin remains purple even after being warm. One needs to wear proper warm clothes to prevent frostbite.

How Can Purple Feet Be Treated?

Purple feet can be treated depending upon the factor causing it. Sometimes if the underlying condition is not major, simple preventive measures and a healthy lifestyle can be well enough to provide protection from purple feet. In case of severe damage to foot circulation leading to the risk of foot tissue dying, amputation becomes necessary.

• The ischemic foot can be treated using antiplatelet medicines like Aspirin, besides controlling blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

• Calcium channel blockers are generally prescribed for acrocyanosis cases. These medications help to keep the arteries wide open for maintaining healthy blood flow and reducing blood pressure inside the arteries.

• In the case of frostbite, soaking the affected part in a warm bath is the first thing that one needs to do. After half hour, it has to be air-dried. The frostbitten skin should not be rubbed, and a doctor must be consulted immediately.

Conclusion

The feet are that part of the body that carries us throughout life, which is why foot hygiene and feet care should be taken very seriously. Wearing properly fitted shoes that are comfortable is equally necessary. As mentioned before, purple feet can happen because of numerous reasons; knowing the reason is very important and for that one needs to get in touch with a podiatrist. For people with chronic conditions, regular medical check-ups are very important, and staying in touch with a doctor constantly to manage the symptoms is also needed, along with a proper healthy lifestyle and diet.