Replied by Sherri (Hawaii) on 06/22/2024

There can be several causes for this though, considering the "cold foot" episodes and the fact that this has been going on for months and sounds like "sudden onset", I would see a practitioner ASAP (preferably, a vascular specialist) to rule out any vascular issues such as neuromuscular compression syndrome, compartment syndrome (unlikely), clots/stenosis, etc....

It could be very helpful to check the arterial pulse behind the knee and at the inner ankle during the "cold foot" episodes, is there a difference? How "cold" is cold? Does the foot also turn pale or bluish? Does the pulse weaken during these episodes? Also, compare the ankle pulse of the left foot to the pulse on the right foot during these episodes.

There are too many unknowns to hazard a guess without the complete picture - Are there other symptoms when this occurs? Are there any triggers? Was there a preceding injury or any trauma? Repetitive injuries? Does it only occur with a particular motion? Is there any pain or tenderness? Is there a loss of sensation or numbness? Did it start when there were any significant changes in your life such as starting new medication or a sport? Did you step on something hard? Is there any swelling? Were you bitten by an insect prior to the symptoms? Were there any recent injuries to the left leg, hip or lower back? Is there anything you have tried that improves the symptoms? Does it occur after applying any topical to the leg? Any recent vaccinations? Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions? etc....

All of these questions constitute the "History" part of a physician's exam, which is considered to be the most important part of the exam, and often provides a diagnosis or offers good clues to one.

Keeping a journal of the symptoms could be extremely helpful in identifying the possible cause and would help your physician. Include diet, environmental factors, time of day it occurs, weather, movements, meds, possible triggers, any topicals that were used, supplements, etc...

Wishing you a quick resolution! Sherri

Replied by Elena (Brown) on 06/22/2024