[60F] Experiencing cold extremities, numbness, and red web-like skin patterns

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition results from damage to your peripheral nerves, often causing weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body. Diabetes is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy.

  • Treatment typically involves managing the condition causing your neuropathy. In some cases, medications or physical therapy can help improve symptoms.

• Raynaud's Disease: This is a condition that causes some areas of your body — such as your fingers — to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. It can also cause color changes in the skin.

  • Treatment typically involves protecting your hands and feet from the cold, and in severe cases, medications to improve blood flow.

• Spider Veins: These are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that also twist and turn. They are easily visible through the skin, and are most often seen on the legs and face.

  • Treatment can involve lifestyle changes or medical procedures to close or remove veins.

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in your body, most often in your lower leg or thigh. It can cause red or discolored skin, along with pain.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to prevent the clot from getting bigger, to prevent new clots from forming, and to decrease the chance of complications.

Please note that these are possible explanations and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

Please consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms. They may recommend blood tests, nerve function tests, or imaging tests to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

In the meantime, you can try the following:

1. Keep your hands and feet warm, especially in cold weather.
2. Avoid standing for long periods of time.
3. Elevate your legs when sitting.
4. Wear compression stockings if recommended by your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• You experience severe pain.
• You have difficulty walking or moving your legs.
• You notice swelling in one or both of your legs.
• You develop chest pain or difficulty breathing, as these could be signs of a serious condition such as a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs), which requires immediate medical attention.