Raise your (icy cold) hands in the air if your fingers are always freezing. Is bad circulation to blame? No matter what the weather is, some of us suffer from chronically cold hands. If your hands feel like they’re always on ice, you’re not alone. Turns out that having eternally cold hands is a pretty common complaint. Even though it may not be something to worry about, it can be pretty frustrating.
Our hands are kept nice and warm thanks to the circulatory system which sends warm blood all the way from your heart down to your fingers. But if your fingers are really just icy digits, here are some common reasons for those cold hands.
15 Common Culprits for Cold Hands
If you have ongoing issues with cold hands, there could be a number of causes including:
- Diabetes
- Raynaud’s disease
- Anemia
- Buerger’s disease
- Frostbite
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
- Scleroderma
- Hypothyroidism (an underactive thryroid)
- Slow metabolism
- Circulation problems
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Low blood pressure
- Stress and anxiety
- Medications that can constrict the blood vessels
- Smoking
Are you interested in learning about hand therapy, or would you like to schedule an appointment with one of our experience hand therapist? Contact us today!
When to See a Doctor for Cold Hands
If you have persistently cold hands, it could be a warning sign and you should see a physician. Here are some other symptoms that are warning signs when you have cold hands:
- Changes to the color or the skin on your hands
- Numbness or tingling
- Open sores or blisters
- Hardened skin
- Cold feet
- Weight changes
- Fatigue
- Rashes
- Joint pain
If your doctor has ruled out any serious issues, here are some recommendations to help you cope with your cold hands:
- Keep your hands nice and warm by wearing gloves or mittens
- Wear warm layers to help preserve your core temperature
- Avoid caffeine and nicotine—they can increase the effect of feeling cold
