Cold sensation in back, legs and feet

[Bondibabe]

This past year I have been suffering with an icy cold, sometimes wet feeling, and also burning like frostbite, in my legs and feet, especially the right hand side. It is worse when sitting.

I have had a doppler test to check my blood flow is ok, tests for nerve damage, blood tests, and everything comes back normal.

It drives me insane. I can't wear any nice clothes anymore, just thick thermal leggings, or 2 pairs of trousers, even in the summer! Presently sat with leg pressed up against the radiator.

MY legs are not cold to the touch but feel as if there's a constant icy wind blowing them.

Anyone else suffering from the same?

Jan

[ftorres18]

Thank you for sharing what you’re experiencing, Jan. I understand how difficult and frustrating it can be to deal with such uncomfortable sensations, especially when medical tests don’t provide clear answers. Let me help you explore this situation step by step, based on the information you’ve shared and official sources.1. Possible Causes of the Cold and Burning Sensations:

What you describe—feeling cold, burning, or wet sensations in your legs and feet (especially on the right side)—can be linked to several underlying conditions. Although tests have ruled out common issues such as poor blood flow or nerve damage, these sensations may still be related to:

1. Mild or Functional Peripheral Neuropathy: Even if your nerve tests came back normal, small fibre nerves (not always detected in regular tests) could be contributing to these sensations.

2. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Although rare, this condition can cause burning or cold sensations without visible changes to the skin.

3. Dysregulation of the Nervous System: The nervous system may misinterpret normal signals as cold or burning sensations, a phenomenon known as dysesthesia.

4. Fibromyalgia or Central Sensitisation: If you are part of this group, hypersensitivity of the central nervous system may be a contributing factor.

2. Strategies to Manage the Sensations:

While you continue searching for a definitive medical explanation, here are some practical strategies you might find helpful:

A. Maintaining the Right Temperature:

Using thermal clothing or layers (as you’re already doing) can help, but ensure the clothing isn’t too tight, as this can affect circulation.

Consider heated blankets or electric thermal socks designed for individuals with these types of symptoms.

B. Physical Therapies:

Consult a physiotherapist to explore gentle exercises aimed at improving circulation and reducing abnormal sensations.

Contrast Therapy: Alternating between hot and cold applications can help “train” your nerves to better regulate sensations.

C. Relaxation Techniques:

Practice mindfulness or guided meditation focused on managing chronic pain. These techniques can help your brain process nerve signals more effectively.

Try gentle massage with oils to stimulate circulation, such as arnica or lavender oil, which can also help relax muscles.

3. Further Medical Consultations:

Although you’ve already undergone several tests, consider discussing the following options with your doctor:

1. Advanced Electromyography (EMG): While your initial tests came back normal, this more detailed evaluation can detect subtle changes in smaller nerves.

2. Consult a Specialist in Chronic Pain: A neurologist or pain specialist may recommend treatments specific to dysesthesia or nerve hypersensitivity.

3. Nutritional Deficiency Testing: Although your blood tests were normal, ensure that the following levels have been checked:

Vitamin B12: Deficiency can cause neuropathic symptoms.

Vitamin D: This can influence pain perception.

4. Exploring Systemic Causes: Mention any other symptoms you may have overlooked, such as changes in sleep, digestion, or fatigue, as these could provide important clues.

4. Short-Term Solutions.

While waiting for further medical advice, consider these options:

Use topical patches for heat or cooling, depending on what provides the most relief.

Ask your doctor about capsaicin creams or other topical treatments that may help desensitise nerves.

Explore non-invasive options like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), which some people find helpful in managing these sensations.

5. Conclusion:

I understand how distressing these sensations can be, especially when they interfere with your quality of life. It seems you’ve already taken significant steps by undergoing medical tests and seeking answers. My suggestion is to keep pursuing further evaluation with specialists, potentially a neurologist or rheumatologist, to investigate the causes more thoroughly.

If you need further support, this group is here to help. Don’t hesitate to share your updates or concerns—there’s always someone willing to listen and offer guidance. I hope you find clarity and relief for these sensations soon!👍🙏💪

[Al10 in reply to ftorres18]

Ooh, excellent thorough reply. Love it!

I'll add another strategy, Don't fret over the sensations. If they still bother you, ask them what they want?

Mine just said; For all I ask for attention and you do stuff to try to fix the pain, here or there, you still won't put me first.

What I see is the Drip drip drip, like water wearing down a rock and I just won't take action to do what's needed? Ouch! That is a kicker and I didn't really want to share it. But here we are sharing, so others can benefit maybe?

I don't think it means putting my actual body first either. I think it's saying about taking a back seat while other people's needs and wants are attended to? That is a hard one to sort, I think? For some of us? Attending to making changes in ourselves that others will resist? Or find difficult?

[Patdoyle]

yes I too get this even down my back. It’s very strange feeling

[Pennie1]

Hi, I get it in my feet, they feel soaking wet and cold 🥶 I can put thick socks on but that makes it worse. Bedtime is the worst time for me, I ask my husband to touch them to see how cold they are and he tells me they are warm !!!! You have my sympathy because it drives me mad and I find it worse than the pain, it sometimes starts early evening and I can’t concentrate on the tv 😤😤😤😤😤😤😤

[E3178]

I get this too and as soon as there is a minor drop in temperature the long wool socks come out even though my legs don't feel cold to touch.

[POPC]

me too from a very long time ago. Constantl Cold hand, feet, nose, head. Bad sinuses and shivers up and down my spine. hot water bottles every night one my chest one for my feet try and keep warm. I have a which I myself in like a sandwich just for myself which I use all year all seasons. I just need warm and hot weather.!

[Sroot]

I get a cold sensation on the left sidecof my face and the left side of my whole body feels ever so slightly numb. Dr's always ignore the symptoms as its not pain. I've had it for over 20 years. Used to be worried about it but research now shows its probably part of my fibromyalgia symptoms.