Raynaud's in feet for nine years. Some advice please

[Sooty712]

Hi I have had Raynaud's in my feet and hands for nine years mainly my feet.

My toes turn pure white and dark purple and I suffer chilblains every winter but this is new.

I first noticed it a few months ago after getting out of a hot shower and I thought it was a bruise and it did disappear after a week or two but now it has returned.

It is only on one foot on the outer side and comes and goes. It looks lighter in the photo but is quite dark purple. It doesn't hurt at all which is good I'm guessing.

I have made an appointment to see GP in a few weeks time but am wondering if anyone has any advice before my appointment.

Could this be to do with my Raynaud's and if so would it be located to just one foot as my chilblains are always on both feet ?? 🤔

I am worried it maybe something else not even related to Raynaud's.

If anyone has had this or have this happen with Raynaud's please let me know your thoughts as they are much appreciated 👍 🙂

Best wishes all and many thanks in advance 🙂

[Midgebite21]

Definitely looks like a bruise. Does it blanche when you press it? I haven’t seen anything like that associated with raynaud’s (or chilblains) before. I’m a podiatrist with 30 years experience as well as having had Raynaud’s since early teens (52 now). Hope your GP can give you some answers and reassurance.

[OldTed60]

Hi. Yes I see the area of bruising and can relate a little to your description. I posted with a similar query a few months ago although I have Systemic Sclerosis and other autoimmune plus hypermobile connective tissue disease underlying my Raynaud’s. I suspect the Hypermobile spectrum disorder is key to mine as I bruise easily.

In my foot the bruising occurs in the area where I have two Morton’s neuromas and I’m guessing this is related. I posted a photo for GP online consultation and saw a GP - who could feel one smaller, more painful Morton’s. I explained that I had ultrasound done a few years ago and it showed other stuff such as scattered calcium deposits and one very large Morton’s as well as a (query) smaller one. The surgeon I saw afterwards refused to excise these as said my feet are too neuro vascular for good healing. He said other stuff about the findings being “extraordinary”, never seen before in his long career as a foot surgeon etc but this wasn’t reflected in his dull letter at all! And now this bruising. So I asked GP for another ultrasound which I’m having on Wednesday and see the rheumatology podiatrist next month. With these neuromas and bad Raynauds and Erythromelalgia it really affects my gait.

I think you should send photo to GP if you haven’t already and request ultrasound and blood tests - including ones to exclude autoimmune diseases and bleeding disorders - although hopefully is neither of these. Best of luck!

[mumsandra in reply to OldTed60]

You certainly seem to know your stuff and also know how to get all these tests done . Yours sounds very similar to mine apart from bruising, but in our area there isn't a GP that takes anything seriously enough to send you for any tests, even if you ask and they all seem to be clueless. I have been diagnosed in the past with Psoriasis and Peripheral Neuropathy, although I suffer freezing cold symptoms in my feet and have done for years, discolorations above my toes and ankles , but never ever burning or pins n needles, they do go slightly numb if very cold. Am now seeing Muscular Skeletal , had x rays done and now going to try steroid injections in ankles and knees. I have always been active and still try to be, at almost 80 , am I not worth bothering with ?

[Jacko37]

I have had something simular on my big toe for several months now, skin looks pretty dry as well. Also got a load of lovely chilblains, boy do they hurt! Can't say I have given the bruise look on my toe much thought. Guess I'm just used to them being a bit strange. Good luck with the doctor, hope you get some answers.