5 health problems that cause cold hands and feet

Prolonged cold hands and feet often indicate many underlying problems - Photo: FREEPIK

"Prolonged cold hands and feet often indicate many underlying health problems," Deepak Khanna, an internist and family medicine physician at the University of Pennsylvania (USA), shared on Parade .

Vascular problems

“Vascularity is the first thing I want to check,” says Dr. Khanna. “I want to assess the pulse to make sure there are no vascular issues that require further testing.”

One possibility, he added, is peripheral artery disease, which can become serious very quickly. Symptoms include muscle weakness, hair loss in the legs, weak or absent pulses in the feet, and sores or wounds that don't heal on the feet.

A less scary possibility is poor circulation. In addition to cold hands and feet, you may experience muscle pain or weakness when walking, a pins and needles sensation, pale or bluish skin, and numbness.

“When blood flow to the extremities is reduced, the body has a harder time keeping those areas warm,” explains Dr. Jennifer Habashy, associate medical director at Claya. She says poor circulation is “one of the more common causes.”

Raynaud 's syndrome

Raynaud's is a condition in which small blood vessels constrict when exposed to cold or stress. Symptoms include skin turning white then blue, and numbness, tingling, or shooting pain when warmed up or when stress is relieved.

The good news is that this condition is treatable. “For Raynaud’s or circulatory issues, stay warm, avoid smoking, limit caffeine, and manage stress,” says Dr. Khanna. To manage stress, he recommends cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive. But what does it do to the temperature of your hands and feet? Dr. Habashy says it's because "an underactive thyroid slows down your metabolism, which reduces your body's ability to produce heat."

Other signs include fatigue, weight gain, joint and muscle pain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, and more. “Cold intolerance is a very common symptom of hypothyroidism,” adds Dr. Khanna.

To determine whether or not you have the disease, two doctors recommend a comprehensive thyroid test at the clinic.

Anemia

“Anemia also often contributes to this condition. Low iron levels reduce the ability to transport oxygen to tissues, causing hands and feet to feel cold,” explains Dr. Habashy.

Other signs include weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, headache, chest pain, and others.

This condition needs to be evaluated by a doctor, says Dr. Khanna, who may order a complete blood count and iron test.

He and Dr. Habashy recommend focusing on nutrition, making sure you get enough iron, B12, and folate in your diet.

Iron is found in strawberries, shrimp, sweet potatoes, and rye bread. B12 is found in clams, breakfast cereals, soy milk, and nonfat Greek yogurt. Folate is found in dark green leafy vegetables, peanuts, sunflower seeds, whole grains, and eggs.

Nutritional Deficiency

A lack of vitamin B12, magnesium, or healthy fats can also affect nerve and circulatory function, says Dr. Habashy. You can get tested to determine which one you're deficient in.

Back to topic

DAWN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/5-van-de-suc-khoe-khien-tay-chan-luon-lanh-toat-20250521000122725.htm