Many people find that their feet and hands are always cold, even if the rest of their body is warm. There are a number of reasons this may occur, ranging from the skin in these areas being unclothed to chronic stress. Here are some of the things that you should know about some of the conditions which can cause cold hands and feet.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is very common among women. Many do not even realize that they have it. An increased sensitivity to cold, which is often felt on the hands and feet, is one of the symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, joint and muscle pain, heavy menstrual periods, brittle nails and puffy skin.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve disorder which causes symptoms that include numbness, tingling, weakness and a burning sensation. Diabetes, shingles, rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS and various other health conditions are common causes of peripheral neuropathy. This is known to be one of the common causes of cold hands and feet.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral vascular disease, which affects the blood vessels, occurs when arteries become blocked. Atherosclerosis is one of the causes of this condition. Symptoms aside from cold hands and feet include leg or arm cramping which occurs during exercise, pain when laying down, foot color changes and numbness.
One of the main causes of cold hands and feet is circulation problems. This is often caused by a sedentary lifestyle. If your days mostly consist of sitting down, there’s a good chance that this could be the reason you are experiencing this symptom. Exercising for at least 30 minutes most days of the week and getting up to walk around several times a day can help prevent this problem. Keep in mind that poor circulation can increase the risk of blood clots in the legs, which is otherwise known as deep vein thrombosis.
Frostbite
Most people who have frost bite will know it. It is a serious injury which occurs when it is cold. Frostbite is most likely to happen if you spend long periods of time outdoors or if you do not wear appropriate clothing, but it may also affect you if the temperatures are extremely low. Symptoms of frostbite include changes in skin color (which are usually pale, gray, blue, red or black), blistering and skin hardening. In serious cases, amputation of the affected body parts may be necessary.
There are quite a few health conditions which can cause cold hands and feet. If you frequently experience these symptoms, the best thing that you can do is talk to your doctor. While the cause may be very simple, it could also be a serious health condition.
Sources:
MayoClinic.com, “Hypothyroidism – Symptoms.”
MedicineNet.com, “Frostbite,” “Peripheral Neuropathy,” and “Peripheral Vascular Disease.”
