Symptoms and Causes of Cold Hands
Symptoms of cold hands can include shivering, numbness, and chills. There are many causes of cold hands, and treatments and prevention methods are available. This article will discuss these symptoms and causes, as well as the treatments available.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cold hands can occur due to exposure to cold temperatures, a side effect of some medications, or an underlying condition. It is important to get a diagnosis from a medical professional. A visit to the emergency room can be helpful in preventing further complications.
The most common cause of cold hands is Raynaud’s Syndrome, which occurs when blood vessels in the hands and feet become obstructed. The condition is most common in women, though it can also occur in men. The disease causes decreased blood flow, numbness, and white coloration of the hands.
Another common cause is hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. If this is the cause of your cold hands, your doctor will prescribe a synthetic thyroid hormone supplement. The supplement must be taken daily.
If you have cold hands on a regular basis, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or surgery to treat the underlying condition. You may also be prescribed medication to improve blood circulation.
Cold hands can also be a symptom of other health problems, including anemia, rheumatic conditions, and diabetes. Anemia is a condition where the amount of red blood cells is lower than normal. It causes fatigue, dizziness, and changes in body temperature.
Symptoms of cold hands are also common in people with heart failure. When the heart fails to pump blood to the hands and feet, blood vessels become constricted. If this happens repeatedly, the fingers may become numb. In severe cases, the fingers may be amputated.
People with diabetes are at risk of cold hands and feet. In addition, they are more prone to developing blood vessel diseases. Symptoms may include numbness, decreased coordination, and a slow heartbeat. Symptoms of cold hands may also be accompanied by an itch or burning.
Cold hands and feet may also be a symptom of rheumatic conditions. These diseases cause inflammation of the tendons, muscles, and ligaments in the hands and feet. Symptoms may also include joint and muscle pain.
Cold hands and feet are sometimes associated with other health conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, rheumatic conditions, and depression. If you suspect you are suffering from any of these conditions, visit your healthcare provider immediately.
Causes
Those who experience cold hands and feet may have a variety of causes. Some of the more common causes are:
Exposure to cold weather. Cold weather can cause hypothermia, which is a dangerous condition. It occurs when body temperature drops to 95 deg F or lower. If you have been exposed to cold weather, contact your physician immediately.
Cold hands and feet are commonly felt during the winter months. It is normal for the body to respond to the cold by constricting blood circulation to the extremities. However, prolonged cold hands can be a sign of a more serious condition.
Raynaud’s disease is a medical condition that causes blood vessels to constrict too much. It may also occur due to genetics. This condition can lead to frostbite, which is a condition where the tissue freezes. It can also cause tissue damage and numbness.
Other medical conditions can also lead to cold hands and feet. These include:
Cold hands and feet are also caused by poor circulation. This condition can result from anemia, diabetes, scleroderma, and autoimmune disorders. These conditions affect the peripheral nervous system, which connects the brain and the rest of the body.
When your body feels threatened, it releases hormones and other factors that trigger the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system causes the muscles around the major arteries to constrict. This causes a decrease in blood flow to the extremities, which helps to protect the vital organs.
Some other causes of cold hands and feet include:
A common condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon occurs when the arteries in the tips of your fingers narrow. It may also be a symptom of an autoimmune disorder, such as lupus.
Some people experience cold hands and feet in response to emotional stress. This can be triggered by holding a cold object, or by exposure to cold air or water.
Cold hands and feet can also be caused by certain medications. Chemical injections and sympathectomy may be used to treat Raynaud’s. The injections can also be repeated if the condition persists.
Other symptoms of cold hands and feet include numbness and pain. These symptoms should be evaluated by your doctor to determine if the condition is an underlying medical condition.
Treatments
Symptoms of cold hands and feet can be caused by a number of different medical conditions. However, one common cause is Raynaud’s syndrome. This condition causes the narrowing of blood vessels, usually in the fingers.
Another common cause of cold hands and feet is an infection. These types of infections can lead to blisters on the fingers and toes. It’s important to have a doctor examine your hands and feet if you experience any signs of an infection. Wearing protective clothing and using hand-warmer packs are effective ways to treat cold hands and feet.
Cold hands and feet can also be caused by nerve damage. In this case, you may need to wear insulated boots and use foot warmers. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to treat cold hands and feet.
Some studies have found that smoking can contribute to cold hands and feet. It is also important to keep your hands and feet warm with exercise. You may also want to avoid wearing extra socks.
If your cold hands and feet are caused by a disease, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. The doctor may also use a surgical nerve block or other treatment to treat your cold hands and feet.
You may also be allergic to cold temperatures. If this is the case, cold urticaria may be a symptom. However, you can control cold urticaria by avoiding cold temperatures. Cold urticaria can also be caused by an allergic reaction to fish, which contains an omega-3 fatty acid. The omega-3 fatty acid can help clean your arteries and keep your blood circulation system in good condition.
Some studies have found that acupuncture may help alleviate cold hands and feet. Acupuncture may be helpful in conjunction with other treatments for cold hands and feet.
Several studies have found that people with cold hands and feet are more likely to have an underlying problem. Studies have linked secondary Raynaud’s to diabetes, birth control pills, hypothyroidism, and diet pills.
Raynaud’s syndrome is caused by the narrowing of blood vessels. It’s a condition that is generally found in people with peripheral artery disease. It’s also caused by stress and emotional distress. The symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome include pain, finger color changes, and hand and leg pain. The symptoms may last from a few minutes to an hour.
Prevention
Having cold hands is an uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating experience. While many people have cold hands as a natural response to cold weather, others may experience cold hands due to a disease or a health condition. Regardless of the reason, it is important to be aware of how to prevent cold hands and treat them if they occur.
There are several diseases that can cause cold hands. The first is a blood vessel disease known as Raynaud’s syndrome. The symptom of this condition is a temporary constriction of blood vessels in the hand. If the condition becomes severe, the fingers may turn white or purple. It may also lead to ulcerations on the skin.
Another common condition that causes cold hands is a disease called peripheral vascular disease. This condition is caused by plaque building up on the walls of arteries. When the plaque builds up, the arteries narrow. The constriction of the blood vessels leads to a decrease in blood flow. The blood flow will not return until the area is heated.
This condition is more common in older adults. It may also occur in people with diabetes. People with diabetes may also have a condition called peripheral neuropathy, which causes poor circulation. People with peripheral vascular disease may develop cold hands and cold feet.
Symptoms of primary Raynaud’s are often mild. In this condition, the blood vessels constrict and dilate. When they return to normal, the fingers may turn red.
People with secondary Raynaud’s may experience painful ulcers on their fingers. This condition can also lead to frostbite. It is important to wear thick clothing, a protective glove, and a warm scarf. It is also important to avoid things that trigger a reaction. This includes certain medications, jobs that require repetitive motion, and stress reduction techniques.
If cold hands persist, seek medical attention immediately. If the condition is more severe, a medical professional may recommend surgery. A surgeon will use a microsurgical technique to separate the nerves and vessels in the hand. The nerves are then separated from the vessels, allowing increased blood flow to the fingers.
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