No Pulses in Feet

[newbs]

Yesterday my brother had his annual foot check and the nurse could not find any pulses in one of his feet and only weak pulses in the other. He has been referred urgently to a specialist. The nurse also said his feet were very cold to touch but he hadn't noticed them feeling cold at all. I don't really know anything about this area - what causes this, neuropathy? What can be done about it? It is obviously very worrying.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear this Newbs

I think the lack of sensation is nerve damage (neuropathy). Not sure on the lack of pulses, something to do with blood vessel damage and circulation probs perhaps?

Hope the tests shed some light on it

 

[AlisonM]

As EDUAD suggests, it sounds like poor circulation to me. A foot massager might help improve the situation, or I understand there are special boot things you can get that help. My aunt, who was left paraplegic after a series of strokes, had something like those for a while and they did help her. I just can't remember what they were called.

 

[HERE TINTIN]

Hi EDUAD is right, loss of sensation is generally nerve damage, the lack of pulse is vascular as is coldness, poor circulation. Not sure what can be done but you can get a massager that is like a vibration plate, its specifically for circulation and could be called a foot circulation booster. I have a friend with MS who has no circulation in her legs and feet and she says this machine helps her a lot. Hopefully the specialiist will be able to help, is your brother diabetic ?

 

[Copepod]

I feel that this is one time when the warnings on machines not to be used by diabetics actually need to be heeded. When the referral results in proper diagnosis, appropriate treatment can be offered.

 

[HERE TINTIN]

The machine I mentioned is definately suitable for diabetics as it is meant for use by them, but as it is expensive maybe CCopeod is right in sauing wait till he has been seen by specialist, though if he does decide to go with a machine the one I mentioned diabetics get tax relief on it.

 

[Hazel]

Newbs, I will follow this with interest. My 88 year old Dad has too been referred to a specialist within the diabetic unit. His feet are icy cold, very swollen and no noticeable pulses.

I insist he wears slippers at all times at home.

Sadly his GP was lacking in this

 

[newbs]

Hi EDUAD is right, loss of sensation is generally nerve damage, the lack of pulse is vascular as is coldness, poor circulation. Not sure what can be done but you can get a massager that is like a vibration plate, its specifically for circulation and could be called a foot circulation booster. I have a friend with MS who has no circulation in her legs and feet and she says this machine helps her a lot. Hopefully the specialiist will be able to help, is your brother diabetic ?

Hi HERE TINTIN, yes my brother is diabetic, has been for nearly 30 years. Thank you for the heads up on the massager. Hopefully his appointment will come through soon.

 

[newbs]

As an update - my brother's 'urgent' appointment has come through today, for the 22nd May.

 

[Northerner]

As an update - my brother's 'urgent' appointment has come through today, for the 22nd May.

Two months is 'urgent'? 😱 I hope that the appointment goes well when it finally comes around. 🙂

 

[newbs]

Two months is 'urgent'? 😱 I hope that the appointment goes well when it finally comes around. 🙂

Thank you. I think 2 months is shocking too!

 

[trophywench]

Err, 22 May is one month - less actually - unless he saw his GP in March?