Cold Hands: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Cold hands can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism - an underactive thyroid gland can make it difficult for a person to tolerate the cold. Conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and lupus, are associated with it.
Causes of Cold Hands and Feet:
- Natural variation: Some people naturally have colder hands and feet.
- Cold weather: Special precautions needed in cold weather.
- Circulation issues: Problems with circulation or nervous system can cause cold hands.
- Thyroid disease: Some forms of thyroid disease can lead to cold hands and feet.
Reduced Blood Flow:
- Cold hands result from reduced blood flow to the hands.
- Body regulates hand warmth by controlling blood flow from heart to fingertips.
- Less blood flow leads to colder and often painful hands.
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Get A Second OpinionCauses
Anaemia Anemia is a condition in which you have fewer healthy and functioning red blood cells than normal. It is caused by iron deficiency. When you are deficient in iron, your red blood cells may not have enough hemoglobin (a protein-rich in iron) to carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Cold fingers and toes could be the outcome.
Raynaud's disease is a condition that causes abnormal narrowing of the blood vessels in the fingers or toes due to exposure to cold temperatures. It is temporary and affects either one or two fingers or toes.
These are some of the causes of secondary Raynaud's:
- Scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that causes hardening of the skin, is often accompanied by Raynaud's disease.
- Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) is another autoimmune disease that can cause Raynaud's disease.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which causes numbness and weakness in the hand because of entrapment of the median nerve, is often accompanied by Raynaud's syndrome.
Other causes of secondary Raynaud's disease can include:
- Repetitive movements: repetitive movements associated with writing or playing a musical instrument for long periods can be a factor.
- Hand injuries : Hand injuries caused by accident, surgery, or frostbite.
- Use of some chemicals in the workplace, such as vinyl chloride.
- Medication use : Some medications related to secondary Raynaud's are chemotherapy agents, birth control pills, over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, and beta-blockers to treat hypertension.
Symptoms
Cold hands can be a symptom of various conditions. Here are some common ones along with their associated symptoms:
Raynaud's Disease :
- Fingers and toes turning white, blue, or red in response to cold or stress.
- Tingling or pain during these episodes.
- Numbness and stinging upon warming or relief of stress.
Poor Circulation :
- Persistent coldness in hands and feet.
- Swelling in extremities.
- Numbness or a tingling sensation.
- Slow healing of wounds.
Anemia :
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Pale or yellowish skin.
- Shortness of breath and dizziness.
- Irregular heartbeats.
Scleroderma :
- Thickened, hardened skin.
- Raynaud's phenomenon.
- Joint pain and muscle weakness.
- Digestive problems.
Lupus :
- Joint pain and swelling.
- Fatigue and fever.
- Skin rashes, particularly on the face.
- Hair loss.
Vitamin Deficiencies :
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Muscle cramps.
- Mood changes.
If you experience persistent cold hands or other concerning symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Basic Conditions to be Consider
Diabetes
- Diabetes leads to Poor blood circulation in extremities can cause cold hands and feet.
- Increases risk of heart disease and arterial narrowing, contributing to cold extremities.
- Nerve damage, a complication of diabetes, can cause tingling sensations in the hands and feet.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
- PAD is Plaque buildup in arteries can lead to blockages and cold hands and feet.
- More common in adults over 50, especially those with diabetes or who smoke.
Hypothyroidism
- Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid that can lead to cold intolerance.
- Associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and lupus.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Lack of vitamin B-12 can cause neurological symptoms, including cold extremities and numbness/tingling.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam if you experience hand or finger symptoms.
- Specialists may be consulted for suspected cold-related systemic hand diseases.
- Diagnosis of primary and secondary Raynaud's involves specific tests:
- Cold stimulation test- Measures finger response to temperature changes.
- Capillaroscopy of the nail fold: Examines nail base under a microscope for artery abnormalities.
- Blood analysis Looks for underlying conditions or causes of secondary Raynaud's or rules out other conditions.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the underlying illness or disorder.Primary Raynaud's disease can't be cured, but lifestyle changes and medications can help. Secondary Raynaud requires treating the underlying cause first.
Treatment for cold hands or related illnesses may include:
- Add activities that are helpful for blood flow
- Proper hand hygiene and skin care
- Wear the appropriate warm and protective hand gear
- Medication
- Steroid injections
- Surgery
- Limit or avoid the use of tobacco products
- Avoid sudden temperature changes
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid alcoholic beverages
- Protect your hands and feet from injuries, including cuts and bruises
- Avoid caffeinated drinks
When to Visit a Doctor?
If your hands and feet are consistently cold, see your doctor as it could indicate an underlying health issue. Your doctor should check for nerve or blood circulation problems Your doctor can prescribe lifestyle changes to help improve the symptoms, depending on your condition.
Signs that indicate a doctor visit may be necessary include:
- Pain in the hands and fingers that occurs many times a day, for several days.
- Changes in skin color. Fingers may appear white, blue, or purplish.
- Thickening or stretching of the skin.
- Tingling, throbbing, numbness, or burning sensations when blood flow resumes. The skin may appear red.
- Changes in the appearance of the nails.
- Cracks or sores on the fingertips that are difficult to fit.
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Book an AppointmentHome Remedies:
Clothing Choices:
- Wear a hat, gloves, warm socks, and a coat in cold weather.
- Dress in layers and avoid tight clothing.
- Consider a turtleneck or scarf for extra warmth.
- Ensure children are appropriately dressed and come indoors if they feel cold.
Indoor Comfort:
- Wear sweaters and warm socks indoors if feeling cold.
Daily Exercise:
- Engage in daily exercise, like walking, to boost blood circulation.
Quick Warm-Up:
- Perform jumps, march in place, wiggle toes, circle feet and fingers, and make wide arm circles to stimulate blood flow.
Regular Movement:
- Take breaks every half hour to stretch or walk.
Heat Therapy:
- Use electric heating pads on lower back and feet.
- Hold warm drinks for hand warmth.
- Vigorously massage hands or feet for quick warmth.
Portable Warmth:
- Use commercial hand or foot warmers when outdoors.
- LL Bean offers 8-hour lasting heaters.
