If you feel like your extremities are often cold, you may wonder when you should see a doctor. Here’s what you need to know.
When blood vessels constrict
“Cold hands and feet are a common complaint,” says vascular specialist Natalie Evans, MD. “But generally, when this happens in young healthy people, it isn’t anything to worry about.”
It’s true that cold extremities can signal other, more serious problems, including peripheral artery disease (PAD); rheumatologic conditions, such as scleroderma, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis; or underactive thyroid.
More often, though, they are signs of Raynaud’s disease, a common, generally benign condition that causes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes to be overly constricted.
“Blood vessels constrict as a normal, healthy response to cold to preserve core temperature and protect vital organs,” Dr. Evans says. “However, in Raynaud’s, arteries in the fingers and toes constrict suddenly, and the vessels slam shut.”
Besides the feeling of cold extremities, Raynaud’s causes temporary color changes. An affected finger may turn white (because the artery is closed), then it may turn blue or purple and, as it rewarms, it may turn red (because the artery is now wide open and dilated).
“These color changes can be quite alarming, but in people with the primary or benign form of Raynaud’s (that is, people with no underlying disease), they are harmless,” Dr. Evans says.
What to watch for
While Raynaud’s is usually a harmless condition, it can also occur in people with underlying rheumatologic or vascular disease. In that case, the Raynaud’s may be associated with small pits or ulcerations in the fingers or toes that are difficult to heal.
“Any patients who have Raynaud’s and associated skin changes, including tightening or thickening of the skin, nail changes, or cracks and sores that don’t heal, should get checked out,” Dr. Evans says.
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you have cold extremities and these symptoms:
- Thickening or tightening of the skin.
- Poorly healing sores or cracks on the fingertips or toes.
- Fatigue.
- Weight changes.
- Fever.
- Joint pain.
- Rashes.
How to deal with feeling cold
If your doctor has ruled out any serious problems, keep in mind that the feeling of uncomfortably chilly fingers or toes often varies by the person. It’s generally based on personal comfort.
“Feeling cold feet or hands when you get into bed just may be who you are, especially if there are no other symptoms,” Dr. Evans says.
She recommends the following to help you cope:
- Keep your tootsies toasty. You want your feet to be comfortable and warm. This means wearing appropriate footwear and wool socks or layers of socks as needed.
- Be sure hands stay warm. Even simple things, like wearing mittens instead of gloves, can help.
- Consider your core temperature. Wear layered clothing, especially thin, warm layers to help preserve your core temperature (and which you can remove as needed).
- Avoid caffeine and nicotine. These are vasoconstrictors that can further exacerbate the effect of the cold.
Peripheral artery disease in older adults
Cold hands and feet — especially in older people — also can be caused by PAD, which occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked as plaque gradually forms inside the artery walls.
PAD can affect people age 50 or older with a history of diabetes or smoking, while anyone age 70 or older generally should be screened.
These symptoms can signal PAD:
- Cold feet.
- Leg cramping, heaviness, or pain when walking.
- Hair loss on the shins.
- Nail changes.
Know your body
When it comes to safeguarding your health, watch for new symptoms that persist, Dr. Evans says.
“What I tell my friends and family seeking medical advice is: You know your body best; you are the one who lives in it.”
If you have a shooting pain once for 20 seconds and it never comes back, you may never get to the bottom of it. But if you have shooting pain in your hands, feet or anywhere in your body for 20 seconds at a time — and it happens 10 times a day for two weeks — something is probably going on.
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