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What Could Be Causing My Mothers Feet Or More The
Question: what could be causing my mothers feet or more the toes turn purple and look like they are bruised and then it will go away about as fast as it appeared but they will be real cold and her fingers also do the same thing
Brief Answer:
due to decreased blood supply in these areas
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The purple discoloration is usually due to decreased blood supply to an area. The blood supply to the peripheries (the fingers and toes) is temporarily reduced and this would also affect the temperature of these digits
It can sometimes be related to spasm (contraction) of the blood vessels in the area. This is called vasospasm.
Vasospam in these areas can be due to Raynauds phenomenon . In some persons , no reason for the spasm can be found, in others there may be an underlying condition.
Some causes- peripheral vascular disease- blockage in the blood vessels
(2)vasculitis- inflammation of the blood vessels
(3)related to issues with the platelets in the body. Platelets are responsible for clotting
(4)autoimmune conditions such as lupus, scleroderma
Assessment by her doctor can be considered. In addition to physical examination, blood tests would be suggested eg complete blood count, assessment of clotting, kidney and liver function (liver function can affect clotting), autoimmune screen
Imaging can also be suggested for some persons
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
due to decreased blood supply in these areas
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The purple discoloration is usually due to decreased blood supply to an area. The blood supply to the peripheries (the fingers and toes) is temporarily reduced and this would also affect the temperature of these digits
It can sometimes be related to spasm (contraction) of the blood vessels in the area. This is called vasospasm.
Vasospam in these areas can be due to Raynauds phenomenon . In some persons , no reason for the spasm can be found, in others there may be an underlying condition.
Some causes- peripheral vascular disease- blockage in the blood vessels
(2)vasculitis- inflammation of the blood vessels
(3)related to issues with the platelets in the body. Platelets are responsible for clotting
(4)autoimmune conditions such as lupus, scleroderma
Assessment by her doctor can be considered. In addition to physical examination, blood tests would be suggested eg complete blood count, assessment of clotting, kidney and liver function (liver function can affect clotting), autoimmune screen
Imaging can also be suggested for some persons
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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