Why feet and hands are freezing and what to do about it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Perhaps this is a signal of dangerous diseases. Check yourself.

When we are in a cold environment, the brain causes the blood vessels in the limbs to constrict. Thus, blood circulation in the periphery is limited, the blood cools less and helps to retain heat in internal organs that are more important than the feet or palms.

However, sometimes it happens like this: it seems that it is not too cold around, but the arms and legs are still icy and refuse to get warm. Here's what it might have to do with Causes and remedies for cold feet.

1. You are worried, you are stressed

The body's natural response to a stressful situation is the release of adrenaline into the blood. This hormone helps mobilize and effectively prepares us for a fight-or-flight situation. One of the key points of preparation is the sharp narrowing of the blood vessels in the periphery. A spasm is necessary in case you injure an arm or leg during a fight or flight: blood loss will be less, which means it will not endanger your life.

Of course, in the modern world, stress is rarely associated with the attack of a toothy predator or an enemy armed with a sharp sword. But the body's reactions remain the same: the vessels in the extremities are sharply narrowed, blood circulation deteriorates. The result is a decrease in temperature in the hands and feet.

What to do

The most important thing is to relax and calm down. Once you release the stress, your feet and hands will feel warm again.

2. You have circulatory problems

Poor blood flow is one of the most common reasons why limbs become icy. Deterioration of blood circulation can be caused by a variety of factors:

• an uncomfortable position, being in which constricts the vessels;
• varicose veins;
• high cholesterol levels, which creates plaque that narrows the lumen of blood vessels;
• smoking;
• cardiovascular disorders;
• sedentary lifestyle.

What to do

If the problem of ice feet persists on a regular basis, see a therapist. He will help to find out what exactly caused the circulatory disorders, and will give the necessary recommendations for prevention. If we are talking about a one-time situation, most likely, it will be enough to get up and stretch.

3. You have iron deficiency anemia

Simply put, a lack of hemoglobin in the blood. Always cold hands and feet is one of the striking symptoms of Iron deficiency anemia of this condition.

What to do

Lack of iron, as a rule, makes itself felt by weakness, fatigue, brittle hair and nails. If, along with ice limbs, you see these signs in yourself, see a therapist. The doctor will offer you to do a blood test, and based on its results, he will advise you to adjust the diet or prescribe special medications.

4. You are lacking in thyroid hormones

Hypothyroidism is a fairly common condition, which in the initial stages almost does not make itself felt. Well, except for little things: fatigue, a tendency to swelling, weight gain, constipation, dry skin … Cold hands and feet are also one of the early symptoms of Why Am I Cold? lack of hormones important for metabolism.

What to do

Again, go to the doctor (you can go directly to the endocrinologist) and do a blood test for thyroid hormones. Based on its results, if necessary, the physician will prescribe additional examinations and treatment for you.

5. You have diabetes

An increased level of glucose in the blood has a bad effect on blood vessels: they lose elasticity and narrow. Because of this, blood flow to the tissues worsens and the limbs begin to freeze.

In addition, diabetes has an unpleasant complication - peripheral neuropathy, when nerve endings in the feet are damaged due to constantly high sugar levels. As a result, you may feel as if your feet are burning or, on the contrary, frozen.

What to do

See a physician to confirm or deny possible diabetes. If the disease is diagnosed, the doctor will offer you a treatment that will help get rid of frosty feet.

6. You have kidney problems

Failures in the work of the kidneys lead to the appearance of edema, in which the vessels are squeezed and, again, blood circulation is impaired. The limbs are the first to suffer from swelling and, as a result, the constant sensation of cold.

What to do

See a therapist again. He will order tests for you to check if your kidneys are working. And if necessary, she will prescribe medications that will help get rid of puffiness and unpleasant symptoms associated with it.

7. You have anorexia

This eating disorder results in a person refusing to eat and losing weight rapidly. The lack of adipose tissue caused by anorexia makes it difficult for the body to retain heat. In order to maintain the temperature necessary for the functioning of vital internal organs, the brain restricts blood circulation in the periphery - in the limbs.

What to do

Anorexia has enough symptoms besides cold feet and hands. The key ones are drastic weight loss and fear of "extra" calories. If this is about you, be sure to visit a therapist so as not to miss the development of serious disorders.

8. You don't get enough sleep

Lack of sleep slows down metabolism in general and blood circulation in particular. And violation of the latter, among other things, leaves us with icy feet.

What to do

Give yourself the opportunity to sleep and then try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day. This will help not only warm the limbs, but also have a beneficial effect on well-being and health in general.