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Cold hands and feet can trouble anyone from time to time. In most cases it is just a natural reaction of the body to a cold environment. However, if your limbs are cold constantly and without an obvious reason, it may be a warning sign. Doctors point out that long-term cold hands and feet can reveal a serious illness. Therefore this symptom should not be underestimated.
Most common causes of cold hands and feet
There are several health conditions that can cause your limbs to remain cold even at normal ambient temperature:
- Poor blood circulation – if blood does not flow properly to the extremities, they remain cold. This is often related to heart or vascular disease.
- Anemia – a lack of iron or vitamins causes poorer oxygen transport, which affects the temperature of the hands and feet.
- Diabetes – high blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels, which leads to circulation problems.
- Raynaud’s syndrome – a condition in which the blood vessels overreact to cold or stress. They constrict and the extremities become extremely cold.
- Hypothyroidism – a malfunction of the thyroid gland slows the metabolism and worsens blood circulation in the body.
When to see a doctor?
If you suffer from long-term cold hands and feet, it is advisable to see a doctor. Especially if other warning symptoms also appear:
- tingling or numbness,
- change in the color of the extremities (pale, blue or purple),
- pain when walking or at rest,
- complete loss of sensation in the fingers,
- general fatigue, hair loss or dry skin.
How to help yourself at home?
If it’s only milder symptoms, there are several simple steps to relieve them:
- wear warm socks and gloves,
- exercise regularly and support blood circulation,
- avoid stress, which can worsen the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome,
- drink enough fluids and eat foods rich in iron and vitamins,
- stop smoking, because smoking significantly worsens the condition of the blood vessels.
Prevention and early care are key
Cold hands and feet by themselves may not mean anything serious. However, if this condition occurs regularly and is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important not to underestimate it. An early visit to a doctor can reveal diseases that, without treatment, could lead to serious complications.
