Do you, or someone you know, often complain that your hands and feet are constantly cold? In most cases, this is not a problem, and simply because the body maintains its temperature.
For our bodies, blood is a great source of heat. By diverting blood to the skin, heat is transferred to the outside air, helping us to cool down. That’s why we can look a little “rolled up” on a hot day.
On the other hand, when we feel cold, the blood vessels in our skin tighten, so less blood is diverted there. Less blood means less heat, and this is especially noticeable on the hands and feet.
It is a normal process, and it shows that our body is doing its job of maintaining a normal internal temperature and protecting our organs.
Usually, the sensation is only temporary. But if someone always has cold hands and feet, even when their body is quite hot, it could be a sign that something else is contributing.
Have you ever put your cold feet on someone else to warm them up? Shutterstock
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Could there be other causes?
Anything that induces a narrowing of the blood vessels can affect the heat that the limbs feel.
This could be due to causes such as the Raynaud’s phenomenon, in which some blood vessels going to the extremities narrow temporarily.
People with Raynaud usually present with very pale, cold fingers or toes.
In some cases, it is not clear why people have Raynaud’s symptoms. In other cases, it may be the result of more serious underlying causes, such as an immune deficiency or one associated with high blood pressure.
People with Raynaud usually present with very pale, cold fingers or toes. Shutterstock
But other factors could also be behind unusually cold hands. Anything that blocks blood through the vessels can lead to colder extremities.
For example, people with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to form fat deposits inside their blood vessels, making them narrow and hard, and inhibiting blood flow.
Trauma or tissue damage can also cause inhibited blood flow to the area. If someone has undergone hand or arm surgery, or has suffered a previous injury, it can affect the heat that their limbs feel.
Another possible cause is anemia, which can damage the transport of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body and lead to cold hands and feet.
Smoking can also be behind a case of icy fingers and toes; Nicotine tightens blood vessels and reduces blood flow.
Have you ever spilled a cup of tea mostly because you want to warm your hands? Christian Moro
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When is it a concern?
Under normal circumstances, cold hands and feet are not a concern.
But just keep in mind that this is due to a reduction in the blood supply to the extremities. Over time, this can lead to brittle nails, dry or cracked skin, discolored skin, and tingling or numbness in the areas.
These regions may also be less sensitive when cold; and it can even be quite painful to use your toes or feet when they are frozen.
A reduced blood supply can make the hands and feet slower to heal if they are injured, which could allow the infections to persist and grow.
Over time, inhibited blood flow can also damage the nerves. The impact on the nerves, along with an increased risk of infection, can sometimes lead to the need for amputations.
Therefore, if constantly cold hands and feet are a concern, it is always worth mentioning to your GP.
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What should I do with my cold hands and feet?
If you start to feel a temporary chill in your limbs, stick to the basics. You can:
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put on a pair of thick socks; This is also beneficial for sleep, as research shows that warming the feet can help improve sleep quality.
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wear gloves or gloves
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wash your hands with warm water and dry them immediately afterwards
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Avoid sudden changes in temperature by using layers of warm clothing to keep the core temperature
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Stay away from air-conditioned rooms whenever possible and find cozy places in the sun during the day.
If you start to feel a temporary chill in your limbs, stick to the basics. Shutterstock
In the long run, improving your circulation is key. It helps to warm your hands and feet, ensuring that your body pumps blood efficiently to where it needs to go.
This can be achieved with daily exercise, moving at regular intervals throughout the day and stretching your arms and legs. And of course, maintain a healthy diet.
That way, even if you have a temporary chill, you’ll be warming up again soon!