As the temperature continues to drop, many individuals are experiencing a wide range of issues that affect daily routines, comfort levels and overall health. One of the most frequent complaints during winter is cold hands, which can result from several underlying factors. During the winter season, cold hands are primarily a natural physiological response to dropping temperatures. To protect vital organs like the heart and brain, the body initiates vasoconstriction, where small blood vessels near the skin surface narrow to divert warm blood to the core. Since hands are farthest from the heart and have a high surface area, they lose heat more rapidly. However, several other phenomena can make your fingers feel icy and uncomfortable. In some cases, these common issues, which are often overlooked, can be a sign of some underlying health problem. Here are all the possible causes listed.
Possible causes of cold hands
1. Raynaud's phenomenon
This condition causes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict excessively in response to cold or stress, leading to cold, numb, and sometimes painful fingers. Fingers may change colour, turning white (lack of blood), then blue (lack of oxygen), and finally red (blood returning), often accompanied by numbness or tingling.
2. Poor circulation
Conditions like Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) involve plaque buildup that narrows arteries, restricting blood flow to extremities. Reduced blood flow to the hands due to constricted blood vessels can make them feel cold.
3. Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, can decrease metabolic processes, resulting in poor circulation and an overall feeling of being cold.
4. Anemia
Low iron or vitamin B12 levels can lead to anemia, reducing the efficiency of oxygen transport in the body and potentially causing cold extremities.
5. Diabetes
High blood sugar can damage both blood vessels and nerves (peripheral neuropathy), affecting the body's ability to regulate hand temperature.
6. Stress and anxiety
Psychological stress can trigger a fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline that constricts peripheral blood vessels and diverts blood to muscles. This can lead to a sensation of cold hands.
Tips to get some relief
Here are some strategies to help manage cold hands during the winter:
1. Insulation: Wear warm gloves or mittens made of insulating materials. Layering clothes helps retain body heat.
2. Stay active: Engage in physical activities to improve circulation. Simple hand exercises or brisk walking can pump blood back to the fingertips.
3. External warmth: Hold a warm beverage or use rechargeable hand warmers. If your hands are very cold, place them in your armpits or under warm (not hot) running water.
5. Consider diet: Eating foods rich in iron and vitamin B can improve blood circulation. Staying hydrated also helps maintain optimal circulation.
6. Manage stress: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to help reduce stress, which can contribute to cold extremities.
You should seek medical advice if your cold hands are persistent even in warm settings or are accompanied by:
- Dramatic colour changes (white, blue, or purple patches)
- Slow-healing sores or ulcers on the fingertips
- Severe pain, numbness, or pins and needles sensation that won't go away
- Symptoms appear only on one side of the body.
Seeking immediate medical help can help rule out underlying medical conditions.
By understanding the impact of cold weather and taking proactive measures, individuals can better manage the discomfort and enhance their overall well-being during the winter season.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
