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Why do my feet and hands usually feel so cold? Occasionally having chilly hands and feet is natural. If you hold something cold or it’s cold outdoors, your extremities will naturally get cold. A few of more serious factors include diabetes, smoking, and anemia.
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Treating Cold Hands and Feet
Constantly chilly hands and feet might be harmful if they coincide with changes in skin tone. These symptoms might be signs of blood flow issues or nerve injury, which could result in tissue damage.Continue reading to find out why your feet and hands are usually chilly and when to see a doctor.
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Causes of Cold Hands and Feet
Numerous factors might result in cold hands and feet. While some reasons could be environmental, others might be an indication of a medical issue.
Cold Temperatures
Because of the ambient temperature, you can experience chilly hands and feet. When it’s chilly outdoors, blood flow rises in your core and chest and decreases in your hands and feet. The bigger bodily portions remain warm thanks to this adjustment in blood flow.
Poor Circulation
If your blood circulation is compromised, you can experience freezing hands or feet. Vaso-occlusion or vasoconstriction may be the cause of poor circulation. Narrowed arteries from vasoconstriction reduce blood flow. Blood flow is restricted by vaso-occlusion because blood vessels are blocked.
Having Anemia
If there are insufficient red blood cells in your blood, you have anemia. The oxygen in your body is carried by these cells. Another reason for impaired circulation is a deficiency of red blood cells.
Diabetes
Diabetes is the result of improper insulin production or use by the body. This hormone aids in blood glucose (sugar) regulation. Elevated blood sugar levels may cause harm to nerves, leading to issues detecting pain and body temperature.
If you suspect you may have diabetes, speak with a healthcare professional. Additional signs of diabetes include:
- Excess thirst
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Headaches
- Unintentional weight loss
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid is a gland in the middle of your neck that resembles a butterfly. This gland controls a number of body processes, including body temperature. Thyroid underactivity is known as hypothyroidism. As a consequence, the hands and feet may experience tingling, numbness, and chilly feelings. Weight gain, exhaustion, and constipation are further indicators of hypothyroidism.
Raynaud’s Syndrome
One of the main symptoms of Raynaud’s illness, often referred to as Raynaud’s phenomenon or syndrome, is an increased sensitivity to cold. Extremities may become numb and turn white or blue. Usually only the fingers and toes, although sometimes the nose and ears are affected.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Iron deficiency is the most prevalent cause of anemia. Inadequate intake of vitamin B12. A shortage of vitamin B12 can not show any symptoms at all. Some may have pale skin, tingling in the hands and feet, and numbness.
Smoking
Because tobacco products include nicotine, smoking them causes vasoconstriction.The fingers and toes, which are the body parts furthest from the heart, may get colder due to vasoconstriction. In addition to causing freezing hands and feet, smoking may also induce Buerger’s disease.
Risks of Cold Hands and Feet
Cold hands, feet, or both are usually not a reason for alarm. If you do not have any signs of an underlying medical illness, you may not need to seek medical assistance for chilly extremities.
Treatments
The kind of therapy you need will depend on what is causing your extremities to feel chilly. Medication for hypothyroidism or Raynaud’s illness as well as dietary supplements for anemia are examples of treatments.
How To Warm Cold Hands and Feet
Sometimes, employing natural therapies or making lifestyle adjustments might help relieve chilly hands and feet. Consider warming your limbs by:
- Avoiding cold temperatures when possible
- Dressing warmly in layers
- Increasing your activity levels (e.g., getting up from your desk at least every hour)
- Quitting smoking
- Staying hydrated
- Wearing warm, protective gear when necessary
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When To See a Healthcare Provider
If your freezing hands and feet are making it difficult for you to go about your everyday business, see a doctor. In case you experience any of the signs of anemia, hypothyroidism, or Raynaud’s illness, it is advisable to speak with a medical professional. They may conduct examinations and recommend the appropriate drugs, dietary supplements, or way of life adjustments.
Conclusion
Numerous factors, such as diabetes, anemia, poor circulation, and smoking, might cause you to experience chilly hands and feet. To find out more about the reason behind your freezing fingers and toes, get in touch with a healthcare professional. It might be inconvenient and disruptive to your everyday life to have cold extremities.