What is cold hands and feet?

The hands and feet usually have a lower temperature than other parts of the body. Therefore, in winter, the hands and feet are often the most susceptible to cold. Cold hands and feet due to not keeping warm is normal. However, in some cases, cold hands and feet occur all year round, even when the weather is warm, which is a sign to pay attention to.

- Cold hands and feet due to anemia

Cold hands and feet can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. Nutritionist Alyssa Tucci, from New York (USA) explains that red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen into the blood. When iron levels are low, the body is damaged, causing anemia, the most obvious symptom of which is that the palms and soles of the feet are always cold.

- Rheumatism

Raynaud's syndrome is also a cause of cold hands and feet. People with this syndrome will have the body's self-regulating reflex in a state of hypersensitivity, hypersensitivity to small changes in outside temperature. At that time, fingers and toes are easily cold and purple. When it's cold, these parts become swollen. Raynaud's syndrome can also be accompanied by secondary rheumatism.

- Kidney failure

Weak kidneys are also one of the causes of cold hands and feet. Symptoms of kidney failure often occur suddenly, causing the patient to feel cold as if a cold wind suddenly blew through. The patient may feel cold in the limbs even in the middle of summer. The cold feeling can spread to the knees and elbows.

In addition, people with kidney failure also have some symptoms such as urinating more than 8 times/day, back pain, knee pain, fatigue, insomnia.

- Stroke

In the early stages of a stroke, the patient may feel pain in the calf, the skin on the sole of the foot is cold, the pain occurs more when moving, and the pain will go away when resting.

Some measures to limit cold hands and feet

- Foot soak

Soaking feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes can help blood circulate better to the feet, reducing the feeling of cold feet. This should be done every day before going to bed.

Note, people with peripheral nerve damage due to diabetes should be careful when soaking their feet in warm water because their sense of temperature is not accurate, making them susceptible to burns.

- Wear socks and warm shoes

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People with cold feet should keep warm by wearing socks and warm shoes. Even when indoors, wearing socks and slippers or using carpets is also a good solution to keep feet less cold.

- Use a heating pad

A heating pad is an effective way to keep both hands and feet warm in winter. Currently, there are many types of heating pads and compact heaters that users can carry and use anywhere.