Some people wear mittens and heavy socks all year round, even in warm weather, indoors
and out. Their hands and feet are always cold. A number of things cause this, such
as:
Poor circulation due to coronary heart
disease
Raynaud's disease (disorder that affects
the flow of blood to the fingers and sometimes to the toes)
Frostbite
Working with vibrating equipment (like a
jackhammer)
A side effect of taking certain medications
An underlying disease affecting blood flow
in the tiny blood vessels of the skin. (Women smokers may be prone to this last
condition.)
Stress
Symptoms
Fingers or toes turning
pale white or blue, then red, in response to cold
Tingling or numbness
Pain during the white phase of
discoloration
Have your hands or feet had prolonged exposure to subfreezing
temperatures which may have resulted in frostbite? (Frostbite symptoms are
tingling and redness followed by paleness - white or bluish appearance - and numbness of
affected areas.) |
 |
| Do your hands or feet turn pale, then blue, then red, get painful
and numb when exposed to the cold or stress? |
 |
Stay indoors where it's warm.
Wear gloves and wool socks.
Do not wear footwear that is tight-fitting.
Wiggle your toes. It may help keep them
warm as a result of increased blood flow.
Avoid handling cold objects. Use ice tongs
to pick up ice cubes, for instance.
Don't smoke. It impairs circulation.
Avoid caffeine. It constricts blood
vessels.
With fingers outstretched, swing your arms
in large circles, like a baseball pitcher warming up for a game. This may increase blood
flow to the fingers. (Skip this tip if you have bursitis or back problems.)
Practice a relaxation technique, such as
biofeedback.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99