Hi Nancy,
RA can affect other parts of the body, beside the joints. It is possible for RA to affect a person's nerves and blood vessels among other organs too. Although I am not an expert in RA, I suppose that it's possible that if the RA is affecting his nerves then it could cause the numbness and cold feeling in his feet. But there are also other conditions that can cause numbness and coldness in the feet. For instance, people with diabetes can get that too. So I would say that your concerns are valid, and that it is worth running it by his physician. Perhaps there may be something they could do for it that could give him some relief. Best of luck to you and him!

Hi Nancy, I have RA and I suffer with very cold feet as well. My left foot especially. The end of my toes turn purple and the sides of both my big toes are numb. My Rheumatologist did blood tests and it was confirmed that I also have Multi Connective Tissue Disease which can happen with the RA. I have been put on Ecotrin which is a blood thinner and so would encourage you to check with his doctor. I also heat up those little bags in the microwave and wrap them around my feet. Sure feels good when they are are warm and toasty! Blessings to you both. Sheila

I was also going to suggest checking on the possible diabetes thing.and , does he smoke ? Because that can cause loss of circulation in the feet /legs. My father and BIL both have had that.

I get cold hands sometimes and Raynaud's disease is a possibility for RA patients. My mom had that. I don't know if it affects the feet.
you are a good sister.

My feet are always hot. He should really check with his MD

could be Raynauds...that's what I have and it cause purple cold feet and hands. Could be a circulation problem.

Sounds like Reynauds to me. This is a condition which is linked to autoimmune as well. Can be mild or severe with worse cases having fingers go black and in very tiny percentage even leads to amputations. Your brother doesnt sound anywhere near that so suspect it is another angle on his RA. When Reynauds is bad they look out for RA too - my eldest daughter being investigated at the moment as she is at worse end of Reynauds spectrum.

This could be due to elevated levels of homocysteine. Homocysteine is elevated due to a lack of B12. B12 is necessary to keep it in check. In fact, the most accurate test for a B12 deficiency is to check for elevated homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is a potent nerve and blood vessel toxin. It has been implicated in Raynaud's, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and the increased risk of heart attack and stoke for RA patients. It is 40 TIMES MORE PREDICTIVE OF HEART DISEASE THAN CHOLESTEROL.

Homocysteine destroys the endothelial cell layer of the blood vessels. A problem with vasoconstriction would then result. It also destroys the tiny nerve fibers and this would result in numbness. As the following study states, "Elevated levels of homocysteine occur commonly in RA".

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9125255

In RA, an inability to break down dietary proteins would result in an inability to metabolize B12 and this would result in elevated levels of homocysteine.

I have this as well. I was diagnosed with Reynaud's about 4 years ago and get really cold fingers and toes - they turn the most horrible color until the coldness goes away (I just run warm water on my hands and/or feet until they come back to their normal color). But I have also been having some numbness in my feet (the top of one and the bottom of the other) - not sure if it's related to the Reynaud's, the RA, or a medication side effect.