Why are my hands and feet always cold?

Does this sound familiar? You’re watching TV on the couch or working at your office computer and suddenly your hands or feet feel ice cold, even though you’re not out in the cold.

Are you frequently trying to warm up your hands or feet?

There can be many reasons why you’re suffering from cold extremities, including underlying health conditions such as neurologic, endocrine or cardiovascular issues. Occasionally, cold feet and hands can be related to certain medications.

Why do my hands and feet get so cold, but my body is warm?

Your hands and feet are farther from your heart, so warm, oxygenated blood has farther to travel to reach them.

Also, your hands and feet have less muscle mass than other larger muscle groups, so they generate less warmth from movement.

Conditions that can cause cold hands and feet

These conditions can cause cold hands and feet:

• Anemia
• Diabetes
• Lupus
• Scleroderma
• Thyroid disease
• Poor circulation
• A nervous system disorder

For many otherwise healthy people, cold hands and feet simply represents their body’s natural response to a cold environment, and likely nothing to worry about.

Causes of constant cold hands and feet:

Cold hands and feet can be related to:

• Changes in blood circulation
• Brain changes
• Nerve damage

People with cold hands often suffer from cold feet as well, for the same reasons.

Excessively cold hands or feet, especially if it’s just one hand or one foot, can be due to severe underlying blood vessel disease and should be evaluated by your health care provider immediately.

When should I worry about cold hands and feet?

If your hands are persistently cold and change colors, this could be a warning sign of Raynaud’s syndrome. Raynaud’s is a condition in which the peripheral blood vessels constrict too much in response to a cold environment.

Raynaud’s can be just a normal response to cold, but in some people, it creates too strong of a constriction in the blood vessels in their hands or feet. The fingers might turn white and then purple or blue because they aren’t getting enough blood.

Eventually the fingers or toes will turn red once the blood vessel constricting stops and the hands or feet start to warm back up. This reduced blood flow can cause damage in some people. Severe Raynaud’s can lead to skin breakdown and ulcerations on the skin of the fingers or toes.

Can poor circulation be reversed?

If reduced blood circulation is causing your hands and feet to be cold, there are some things that can do to improve this. Managing underlying health conditions such as diabetes, anemia, thyroid conditions or arteriosclerosis can help reverse or reduce some circulation problems. Arteriosclerosis is a disease that causes your arteries to thicken and stiffen, restricting blood flow.

Avoiding nicotine and alcohol is also important. Finally, routine physical exercise and staying active are great ways to improve and maintain proper circulation.

How can I prevent cold hands or feet?

The best advice is to dress appropriately for the environment to keep your hands warm. Wear hats, gloves and warm socks. Don’t forget to keep your core warm as well by wearing several layers and a jacket or coat. Hand warmers can provide temporary relief as well.

Avoid using nicotine products, including cigarettes. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor that causes your blood vessels to tighten up or constrict.

Avoid drinking alcohol, and exercise regularly to maintain good cardiovascular health.