Hands Always Cold? Here's What Your Body's Trying to Tell You

Cold hands or fingertips despite the weather could be a sign of a circulation or nerve problem.
Image Credit: Maryviolet/iStock/GettyImages

It's normal for your hands to feel cold when you're outside in the winter or in a room where the AC is cranked up. But when that frigid feeling seems, well, nonstop, something else might be at play.

Advertisement

Consistently cold hands or fingertips may mean that blood isn't flowing to your hands as well as it should, which could be the sign of an underlying health problem, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Video of the Day

Video of the Day

"Having a blockage in the arteries that prevents the blood from reaching a certain point in your body can cause coldness in the hand. Being exposed to cold can also cause vasospasm, or narrowing of the blood vessels, eventually diminishing the blood flow to the hands," explains Alain Tanbe, MD, a vascular surgeon at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. Sometimes, the cold feeling can start to cause pain in your hands or even cause them to go numb.

You may need to pay attention to your other symptoms in order to pinpoint the problem. Here are five of the most common cold hands causes, when it's worth calling the doctor and what you can do to fight the chill.

Related Reading

1. It's Raynaud's Syndrome

Hands that become painfully cold, pale or numb in response to cold temperatures could be a sign of Raynaud's disease. "It's the most common cause of cold hands that I typically see," Dr. Tanbe says.

Advertisement

The condition causes blood vessels in the hands and fingers to constrict when a person gets cold or stressed, leading to reduced blood flow, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD).

Raynaud's attacks often strike when a person experiences a rapid temperature shift, like entering an overly air-conditioned building or walking into the refrigerated section of the supermarket, says Orrin Troum, MD, a rheumatologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. Often, the feeling of cold or discomfort starts in one finger and spreads outwards to other fingers in both hands.

Advertisement

A person can have Raynaud's all by itself, but it can also be a secondary condition caused by other health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, atherosclerosis or pulmonary hypertension. Exposure to workplace chemicals like vinyl chloride or frequently engaging in repetitive hand motions like typing, playing a musical instrument, or using a vibrating tool can cause secondary Raynaud's too, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Advertisement

Fix it:​ Treating primary Raynaud's often involves avoiding triggers that cause the cold and discomfort, and rewarming hands when they do get too cold, per the NIAMSD. According to Dr. Troum, rewarming can start to ease symptoms within 15 to 20 minutes.

Advertisement

For severe symptoms that cause pain, oral medications or creams including calcium channel blockers and vasodilators can help, Dr. Tanbe says.

2. You Have Diabetes

Up to 70 percent of U.S. adults with diabetes are affected by neuropathy, or nerve damage that can lead to uncomfortable sensations in the hands and feet, according to the Cleveland Clinic. People with neuropathy often describe the feeling as a numbness, tingling or a painful burning in their hands. Sometimes the condition can cause a stabbing or throbbing sensation too.

Advertisement

Fix it:​ A person with diabetes is more likely to develop neuropathy if their blood sugar isn't well-controlled. Managing your diabetes and sticking with healthy lifestyle habits like achieving a healthy weight and blood pressure, exercising regularly and taking your diabetes medications as prescribed can all help to slow or stop the progression of neuropathy, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Nerve damage that has already occurred can't be reversed. But neuropathy pain can be managed with a combination of medication and physical and occupational therapy to help improve hand strength and function, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Advertisement

3. You've Got Anemia

If your cold hands or feet are coupled with extreme fatigue or weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness or lightheadedness, you could have anemia. A condition that occurs when the blood has a shortage of healthy red blood cells, anemia is most often caused by a lack of dietary iron, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Advertisement

Fix it:​ Treating the problem and its underlying symptoms is as simple as getting an adequate supply of iron. Eating more iron-rich foods can help, but sometimes, iron supplements or intravenous iron therapy may be needed to replenish a person's iron stores and ensure they get enough of the mineral to keep the anemia from coming back, notes the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Advertisement

4. It's an Underactive Thyroid

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, is another common cause of cold hands. The condition occurs when the thyroid doesn't make enough thyroid hormones, which can slow the pace of the body's metabolic functions. That can make a person more sensitive to cold temperatures as well as cause other symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, joint or muscle pain, dry skin, thinning hair and even mood changes, notes the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Fix it:​ While the problem can start to wreak havoc on the body when left untreated, hypothyroidism is easy to address. In most cases, simply taking synthetic thyroid hormone in the form of a daily pill can reverse a person's symptoms and help them feel more like themselves again, per the Mayo Clinic.

5. You Take Certain Medications

If your cold hands seem to have come on after starting a new medication, the drug could be to blame. Birth control pills, OTC cold and allergy meds, beta blockers, migraine medications, high blood pressure medications and certain chemotherapy drugs all have the potential to trigger secondary Raynaud's syndrome, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Fix it:​ In some cases it may be possible to switch medications or adjust your dosage, which could alleviate the problem. But if that's not an option, avoiding triggers and rewarming your hands when they do get cold can help with managing the discomfort.

Advertisement

The Best Cold Hands Treatments

Constantly cold hands are usually caused by an underlying health issue, and treating the problem is often the first step toward helping your hands feel better.

But you can also take steps to minimize your discomfort and manage the chill when it strikes. Some tips for how to fix cold hands include:

1. Protect Your Hands From the Cold

Wear gloves or mittens before heading out into cold weather or touching cold objects, like food from the freezer or a cold steering wheel. When it's really frigid, try hand warmers, Dr. Tanbe recommends.

2. Steer Clear of Triggers

Some people with Raynaud's syndrome find that their cold hands flare up in response to stress. But simple stress-management techniques like practicing yoga, meditating or even listening to music can help, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

3. Warm Up Quickly

When your hands get cold and uncomfortable, do what you can to warm them up. Get indoors if you're outside and soak your hands in warm water if possible; if warm water isn't available, place your hands under your armpits for warmth. Make circles with your arms or wiggle your fingers to encourage blood to circulate, recommends the NHLBI.

When to See a Doctor for Cold Hands

It's normal for hands to get chilly when you're out in the cold. But if exposure to cold temperatures consistently makes your hands very uncomfortable or your hands feel cold even when it's warm, get in touch with your doctor. They can examine your hands as well as consider any other symptoms you might have to figure out the culprit.

references

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

universo-virtual.com
buytrendz.net
thisforall.net
benchpressgains.com
qthzb.com
mindhunter9.com
dwjqp1.com
secure-signup.net
ahaayy.com
soxtry.com
tressesindia.com
puresybian.com
krpano-chs.com
cre8workshop.com
hdkino.org
peixun021.com
qz786.com
utahperformingartscenter.org
maw-pr.com
zaaksen.com
ypxsptbfd7.com
worldqrmconference.com
shangyuwh.com
eejssdfsdfdfjsd.com
playminecraftfreeonline.com
trekvietnamtour.com
your-business-articles.com
essaywritingservice10.com
hindusamaaj.com
joggingvideo.com
wandercoups.com
onlinenewsofindia.com
worldgraphic-team.com
bnsrz.com
wormblaster.net
tongchengchuyange0004.com
internetknowing.com
breachurch.com
peachesnginburlesque.com
dataarchitectoo.com
clientfunnelformula.com
30pps.com
cherylroll.com
ks2252.com
webmanicura.com
osostore.com
softsmob.com
sofietsshotel.com
facetorch.com
nylawyerreview.com
apapromotions.com
shareparelli.com
goeaglepointe.com
thegreenmanpubphuket.com
karotorossian.com
publicsensor.com
taiwandefence.com
epcsur.com
odskc.com
inzziln.info
leaiiln.info
cq-oa.com
dqtianshun.com
southstills.com
tvtv98.com
thewellington-hotel.com
bccaipiao.com
colectoresindustrialesgs.com
shenanddcg.com
capriartfilmfestival.com
replicabreitlingsale.com
thaiamarinnewtoncorner.com
gkmcww.com
mbnkbj.com
andrewbrennandesign.com
cod54.com
luobinzhang.com
bartoysdirect.com
taquerialoscompadresdc.com
aaoodln.info
amcckln.info
drvrnln.info
dwabmln.info
fcsjoln.info
hlonxln.info
kcmeiln.info
kplrrln.info
fatcatoons.com
91guoys.com
signupforfreehosting.com
faithfirst.net
zjyc28.com
tongchengjinyeyouyue0004.com
nhuan6.com
oldgardensflowers.com
lightupthefloor.com
bahamamamas-stjohns.com
ly2818.com
905onthebay.com
fonemenu.com
notanothermovie.com
ukrainehighclassescort.com
meincmagazine.com
av-5858.com
yallerdawg.com
donkeythemovie.com
corporatehospitalitygroup.com
boboyy88.com
miteinander-lernen.com
dannayconsulting.com
officialtomsshoesoutletstore.com
forsale-amoxil-amoxicillin.net
generictadalafil-canada.net
guitarlessonseastlondon.com
lesliesrestaurants.com
mattyno9.com
nri-homeloans.com
rtgvisas-qatar.com
salbutamolventolinonline.net
sportsinjuries.info
topsedu.xyz
xmxm7.com
x332.xyz
sportstrainingblog.com
autopartspares.com
readguy.net
soniasegreto.com
bobbygdavis.com
wedsna.com
rgkntk.com
bkkmarketplace.com
zxqcwx.com
breakupprogram.com
boxcardc.com
unblockyoutubeindonesia.com
fabulousbookmark.com
beat-the.com
guatemala-sailfishing-vacations-charters.com
magie-marketing.com
kingstonliteracy.com
guitaraffinity.com
eurelookinggoodapparel.com
howtolosecheekfat.net
marioncma.org
oliviadavismusic.com
shantelcampbellrealestate.com
shopleborn13.com
topindiafree.com
v-visitors.net
qazwsxedcokmijn.com
parabis.net
terriesandelin.com
luxuryhomme.com
studyexpanse.com
ronoom.com
djjky.com
053hh.com
originbluei.com
baucishotel.com
33kkn.com
intrinsiqresearch.com
mariaescort-kiev.com
mymaguk.com
sponsored4u.com
crimsonclass.com
bataillenavale.com
searchtile.com
ze-stribrnych-struh.com
zenithalhype.com
modalpkv.com
bouisset-lafforgue.com
useupload.com
37r.net
autoankauf-muenster.com
bantinbongda.net
bilgius.com
brabustermagazine.com
indigrow.org
miicrosofts.net
mysmiletravel.com
selinasims.com
spellcubesapp.com
usa-faction.com
snn01.com
hope-kelley.com
bancodeprofissionais.com
zjccp99.com
liturgycreator.com
weedsmj.com
majorelenco.com
colcollect.com
androidnews-jp.com
hypoallergenicdogsnames.com
dailyupdatez.com
foodphotographyreviews.com
cricutcom-setup.com
chprowebdesign.com
katyrealty-kanepa.com
tasramar.com
bilgipinari.org
four-am.com
indiarepublicday.com
inquick-enbooks.com
iracmpi.com
kakaschoenen.com
lsm99flash.com
nana1255.com
ngen-niagara.com
technwzs.com
virtualonlinecasino1345.com
wallpapertop.net
nova-click.com
abeautifulcrazylife.com
diggmobile.com
denochemexicana.com
eventhalfkg.com
medcon-taiwan.com
life-himawari.com
myriamshomes.com
nightmarevue.com
allstarsru.com
bestofthebuckeyestate.com
bestofthefirststate.com
bestwireless7.com
declarationintermittent.com
findhereall.com
jingyou888.com
lsm99deal.com
lsm99galaxy.com
moozatech.com
nuagh.com
patliyo.com
philomenamagikz.net
rckouba.net
saturnunipessoallda.com
tallahasseefrolics.com
thematurehardcore.net
totalenvironment-inthatquietearth.com
velislavakaymakanova.com
vermontenergetic.com
sizam-design.com
kakakpintar.com
begorgeouslady.com
1800birks4u.com
2wheelstogo.com
6strip4you.com
bigdata-world.net
emailandco.net
gacapal.com
jharpost.com
krishnaastro.com
lsm99credit.com
mascalzonicampani.com
sitemapxml.org
thecityslums.net
topagh.com
flairnetwebdesign.com
bangkaeair.com
beneventocoupon.com
noternet.org
oqtive.com
smilebrightrx.com
decollage-etiquette.com
1millionbestdownloads.com
7658.info
bidbass.com
devlopworldtech.com
digitalmarketingrajkot.com
fluginfo.net
naqlafshk.com
passion-decouverte.com
playsirius.com
spacceleratorintl.com
stikyballs.com
top10way.com
yokidsyogurt.com
zszyhl.com
16firthcrescent.com
abogadolaboralistamd.com
apk2wap.com
aromacremeria.com
banparacard.com
bosmanraws.com
businessproviderblog.com
caltonosa.com
calvaryrevivalchurch.org
chastenedsoulwithabrokenheart.com
cheminotsgardcevennes.com
cooksspot.com
cqxzpt.com
deesywig.com
deltacartoonmaps.com
despixelsetdeshommes.com
duocoracaobrasileiro.com
fareshopbd.com
goodpainspills.com
kobisitecdn.com
makaigoods.com
mgs1454.com
piccadillyresidences.com
radiolaondafresca.com
rubendorf.com
searchengineimprov.com
sellmyhrvahome.com
shugahouseessentials.com
sonihullquad.com
subtractkilos.com
valeriekelmansky.com
vipasdigitalmarketing.com
voolivrerj.com
zeelonggroup.com
1015southrockhill.com
10x10b.com
111-online-casinos.com
191cb.com
3665arpentunitd.com
aitesonics.com
bag-shokunin.com
brightotech.com
communication-digitale-services.com
covoakland.org
dariaprimapack.com
freefortniteaccountss.com
gatebizglobal.com
global1entertainmentnews.com
greatytene.com
hiroshiwakita.com
iktodaypk.com
jahatsakong.com
meadowbrookgolfgroup.com
newsbharati.net
platinumstudiosdesign.com
slotxogamesplay.com
strikestaruk.com
trucosdefortnite.com
ufabetrune.com
weddedtowhitmore.com
12940brycecanyonunitb.com
1311dietrichoaks.com
2monarchtraceunit303.com
601legendhill.com
850elaine.com
adieusolasomade.com
andora-ke.com
bestslotxogames.com
cannagomcallen.com
endlesslyhot.com
iestpjva.com
ouqprint.com
pwmaplefest.com
qtylmr.com
rb88betting.com
buscadogues.com
1007macfm.com
born-wild.com
growthinvests.com
promocode-casino.com
proyectogalgoargentina.com
wbthompson-art.com
whitemountainwheels.com
7thavehvl.com
developmethis.com
funkydogbowties.com
travelodgegrandjunction.com
gao-town.com
globalmarketsuite.com
blogshippo.com
hdbka.com
proboards67.com
outletonline-michaelkors.com
kalkis-research.com
thuthuatit.net
buckcash.com
hollistercanada.com
docterror.com
asadart.com
vmayke.org
erwincomputers.com
dirimart.org
okkii.com
loteriasdecehegin.com
mountanalog.com
healingtaobritain.com
ttxmonitor.com
bamthemes.com
nwordpress.com
11bolabonanza.com
avgo.top