Overview
How to Assess
- With the back of the hand, feel from the top of the calf to the dorsum of the foot. Note if there is any change in temperature distally.
Cool Extremities
Causes of Cool Extremities
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Compartment Syndrome
- Shock
- Low cardiac output, due to cardiac disease
Warm Extremities
Causes of Warm Extremities
- Systemic - fever / hyperthermia
- Infection - cellulitis, lymphangitis, necrotising fasciitis
- Lymphoedema
- Venous abnormalities - deep venous thrombosis, superficial thrombophlebitis, venous insufficiency
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