If the tips of your toes turn red or purple in cold weather, you may have Reynaud's disorder. This happens when the tiny arteries going to the tips of your toes (and often times the tips of your fingers as well) vasospasm, or contract, which decreased the blood flow to the tips of the toes. In turn, the toes turn red then purplish. This may be accompanied by pain due to the vasospasm. Smoking, caffeine, and stress may aggravate this condition as well. If you think you may have Reynaud's, it is important to discuss these findings with your doctor to see if treatment is warranted. In the mean time, in order to decrease symptoms, avoid cold weather exposure and keep those toes warm and toasty and stay out of the cold!
