Cold feet hands and nose. Cold Feet, Hands, and Nose: Understanding Raynaud’s Disease and Other Causes

30.07.197622.10.2021 by alexxlab

What are the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease. How does Raynaud’s affect blood circulation. What medical conditions can cause chronically cold extremities. How is Raynaud’s disease diagnosed and treated. What lifestyle changes can help manage cold feet and hands.

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Unraveling the Mystery of Chronically Cold Extremities

Many people experience cold feet, hands, and nose from time to time, especially in chilly weather. However, when these symptoms persist, they may indicate an underlying medical condition. One such condition is Raynaud’s disease, a disorder that affects blood circulation in the extremities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Raynaud’s disease and other potential causes of chronically cold extremities, providing valuable insights into symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Raynaud’s Disease: When Your Body Overreacts to Cold

Raynaud’s disease, also known as Raynaud’s syndrome or phenomenon, is a condition characterized by an exaggerated response to cold temperatures or stress. This disorder causes the blood vessels in the extremities to narrow, limiting blood flow and resulting in cold, numb, and sometimes painful fingers, toes, and other affected areas.

Types of Raynaud’s Disease

Primary Raynaud’s: This is the most common form, typically milder and not associated with an underlying medical condition.
Secondary Raynaud’s: Often more severe, this type is linked to other health issues such as autoimmune diseases or injuries.

How does Raynaud’s disease manifest itself? During an attack, affected areas may change color, typically following a pattern:

Pale or white: Due to restricted blood flow
Blue: As oxygen-deprived blood accumulates
Red: When blood flow returns, often accompanied by tingling or throbbing

Beyond Raynaud’s: Other Causes of Cold Extremities

While Raynaud’s disease is a common culprit for chronically cold hands, feet, and nose, several other medical conditions can lead to similar symptoms. Understanding these potential causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Diabetes and Its Complications

Diabetes can significantly impact circulation and nerve function, leading to cold extremities. Two primary complications of diabetes that affect body temperature regulation are:

Peripheral neuropathy: This condition damages nerves in the feet, potentially causing a sensation of coldness even when the feet are not actually cold.
Peripheral artery disease: By restricting blood flow to the legs and feet, this condition can result in chronically cold extremities.

Thyroid Dysfunction

An underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, can cause a person to feel cold all over, including in their extremities. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature and metabolism, and when it’s not functioning optimally, it can lead to various symptoms, including cold sensitivity.

Anemia: When Blood Cells Fall Short

Anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, can manifest as cold hands and feet. With fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, extremities may not receive adequate blood flow, resulting in a constant feeling of coldness.

Vascular Conditions and Their Impact on Body Temperature

Several vascular conditions can lead to poor circulation and, consequently, cold extremities. Two such conditions are:

Buerger’s Disease

This rare condition, primarily affecting smokers under 45, causes blood vessels in the hands and feet to swell, reducing blood flow. Buerger’s disease can lead to cold extremities, pain, and in severe cases, tissue damage.

Arterial Disease

High cholesterol levels can contribute to the development of arterial disease, where cholesterol buildup and inflammation in blood vessels restrict circulation. This restriction can result in chronically cold feet and hands.

The Role of Stress in Temperature Regulation

Can stress really make your extremities cold? Indeed, it can. When under stress, the body’s fight-or-flight response redirects blood flow to vital organs, potentially leaving hands and feet feeling cold. This physiological response, while temporary, can contribute to the sensation of cold extremities during periods of heightened stress or anxiety.

Diagnosing the Root Cause of Cold Extremities

Given the wide array of potential causes for chronically cold hands, feet, and nose, seeking medical advice is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. How do healthcare professionals approach the diagnosis of conditions like Raynaud’s disease and other circulatory issues?

Medical history review: Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, their frequency, and any potential triggers.
Physical examination: This may include checking the color and temperature of your extremities.
Blood tests: To check for underlying conditions like anemia or thyroid dysfunction.
Imaging tests: Such as angiography or capillaroscopy, to assess blood flow and vessel health.

In some cases, your doctor may perform a cold stimulation test to observe how your blood vessels react to temperature changes, helping to diagnose Raynaud’s disease.

Treatment Approaches for Cold Extremities

Treatment for chronically cold extremities depends on the underlying cause. However, several general strategies can help manage symptoms and improve circulation:

Lifestyle Modifications

Quitting smoking: Essential for those with Buerger’s disease and beneficial for overall circulatory health.
Regular exercise: Improves circulation and helps maintain a healthy body temperature.
Stress management: Techniques like meditation or yoga can help reduce stress-induced circulatory changes.
Proper nutrition: A balanced diet supports overall health and can help manage conditions like anemia and diabetes.

Medical Interventions

Depending on the underlying cause, medical treatments may include:

Medications: Such as calcium channel blockers or alpha blockers to improve circulation.
Hormone replacement: For thyroid disorders.
Blood sugar management: For diabetes-related complications.
Iron supplements or other treatments: For anemia.

Practical Tips for Managing Cold Extremities

Regardless of the cause, these practical measures can help alleviate discomfort:

Wear warm, layered clothing, focusing on extremities.
Use hand and foot warmers in cold weather.
Avoid rapid temperature changes.
Practice gentle exercises to promote circulation.
Keep your living and working environments at a comfortable temperature.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While occasional cold hands and feet are usually not a cause for concern, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation. When should you consult a healthcare professional about your cold extremities?

Persistent coldness that doesn’t improve with warming techniques
Color changes in your fingers or toes, especially if accompanied by pain
Sores or ulcers on your fingers or toes
Numbness or tingling that interferes with daily activities
Cold extremities accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue or unexplained weight changes

Early intervention can prevent complications and lead to more effective management of underlying conditions.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments

The field of vascular medicine continues to evolve, offering hope for improved treatments for conditions like Raynaud’s disease and other circulatory disorders. What new approaches are researchers exploring to address cold extremities?

Gene therapy: Targeting specific genes involved in vascular function.
Stem cell treatments: To regenerate damaged blood vessels and improve circulation.
Novel medications: Focusing on more targeted approaches to vasodilation and circulation improvement.
Wearable technologies: Developing advanced devices to monitor and regulate body temperature in real-time.

As research progresses, individuals suffering from chronically cold extremities may have access to more effective and personalized treatment options in the future.

Understanding the various causes of cold feet, hands, and nose is crucial for effective management and treatment. Whether you’re dealing with Raynaud’s disease, diabetes complications, or other circulatory issues, working closely with healthcare professionals can help you develop a comprehensive plan to improve your comfort and overall health. By combining medical interventions with lifestyle modifications and practical strategies, many individuals find relief from the discomfort of chronically cold extremities, enhancing their quality of life and well-being.

Why Are My Feet Always Cold? 5 Causes of Chronically Cold Feet

Why Do I Have Cold Feet?

Cold feet may be your body’s normal response to temperature, but it can sometimes be related to a medical condition that needs treatment. Diseases from diabetes to anemia can affect the temperature of your feet.Cold feet may be your body’s normal response to temperature, but it can sometimes be related to a medical condition that needs treatment. Diseases from diabetes to anemia can affect the temperature of your feet.

Cold Feet Symptoms

Other symptoms that may come along with cold feet and signal a medical condition include:

Weakness and pain in your hands and feet
Sensitivity to cold
Color changes to your skin when you’re cold or stressed
A numb feeling as you get warm or relieve stress

Cold Feet Causes

Complications of diabetes

If you have diabetes, you’re at risk for a variety of problems that can affect your feet:

Peripheral neuropathy

This complication of diabetes damages the nerves in your feet. They may feel cold to you but normal when you touch them. People without diabetes can also get peripheral neuropathy. Some things that can cause it are injury, autoimmune diseases, alcoholism, lack of vitamins, bone marrow disorders, underactive thyroid, and medications.

Peripheral artery disease

This condition slows or blocks blood flow to your legs and feet. Poor circulation can make your feet cold. (It’s possible to get peripheral artery disease without having diabetes. Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and age all raise your chances of getting the condition.)

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

Your thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, might be to blame for your cold feet. It makes hormones that affect almost all your organs. The hormones also help turn food and oxygen into energy. If you have an underactive thyroid, your thyroid doesn’t release enough hormones. It could make you feel cold all over, including your feet.

Raynaud’s disease or phenomenon

Raynaud’s causes your body to overreact to cold. When the temperature drops, your fingers and toes may feel numb and frozen. They sometimes even change colors, first pale and then blue. As they warm up, they may sting and turn red. Cold weather, air conditioning, and stress or anxiety can bring on these attacks.

If you have Raynaud’s, you get problems with some of your arteries — blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The arteries in your hands and feet spasm and narrow. This keeps blood from moving well to your fingers and toes and sometimes your nose, lips, ears, and nipples. Raynaud’s is more common in cold climates and affects women more often than men. There are two types:

Primary Raynaud’s (also called Raynaud’s disease). This is the most common of the two types and also has milder symptoms.
Secondary Raynaud’s (also called Raynaud’s phenomenon or Raynaud’s syndrome). It may be more serious and strikes at an older age. A number of different things, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, injuries, or carpal tunnel syndrome, can cause it. Medications, like beta-blockers for high blood pressure and some migraine drugs, could cause it, too.

If you have Raynaud’s, call your doctor if you get sores on your fingers, toes, or other areas. Quick treatment can help prevent damage.

Anemia

Your cold feet could be a sign that you’re anemic. That means your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, or they aren’t healthy enough to do their job of taking oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

See your doctor if you show signs of anemia, because it can be a symptom of another illness. Treatment depends on what type of anemia you have.

Buerger’s disease

Buerger’s disease is rare, but if you smoke or chew tobacco and your feet are cold, this condition may be the reason. The disease, linked to tobacco use, causes blood vessels in the hands and feet to swell. That slows blood flow and could form clots and cause infection.

See your doctor if you have any symptoms of Buerger’s disease. It’s more common in men than women, and in people under 45. The only cure for Buerger’s is to stop using tobacco completely.

High cholesterol

If you have high cholesterol you may be at a higher risk of circulation problems, which lead to cold feet. Trouble with circulation (also called arterial disease) is the result of the build-up of cholesterol and inflammation in your blood vessels.

Stress

When you’re stressed, your body pushes blood toward your core and away from your hands and feet.

Cold Feet Diagnosis

Since there’s a wide range of causes of cold feet, it’s important to see a doctor. They’ll help to diagnose any possible underlying medical conditions and suggest treatments. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. They may also run tests to confirm or rule out medical problems that cause your cold feet.

Cold Feet Treatments

Whether or not a medical problem is causing your cold feet, there are some ways to warm up:

Put on socks or slippers
Stretch or move your feet
Stop smoking (nicotine makes it harder for blood to reach your hands and feet)
Lower your cholesterol through diet and medication
Lower your stress
Get more iron, vitamin B12, and folate to improve circulation

Neuhaus Foot & Ankle: Podiatry

Thankfully, Middle Tennessee winters are pretty mild. While the podiatrists in Nashville aren’t treating frostbite, our foot doctors have seen a number of lost toes and amputated limbs.

We are a far cry from the frozen tundra and risk of frostbite, but you may still find that your feet are always cold. Are you, or someone you know, always asking —

“Why are my feet always cold?”

Aside from wearing the wrong socks or shoes, Sherlock (say that three times really fast) for the weather, there could be an underlying cause to constant cold feet.

If you have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease such as history of smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, you definitely want to read this.

#1: You have poor circulation

Poor circulation is one of the most common causes of cold feet.

When the temperature outside drops, your body works to keep your core warm.

As a result, your blood vessels in your extremities constrict to limit circulation to the core part of your body.

What happens to your toes, feet, ears and nose?

They lose some of that circulation and become cold-to-the-touch.

That’s normal.

But don’t ignore these common causes of poor circulation:

Do you sit in Nashville traffic? Then do you sit all day for work?

Poor circulation can be the result of sitting too much from a sedentary lifestyle. If you don’t get up and move around, you’re increasing the likelihood of not getting enough circulation in the feet and toes, making your feet cooler than the rest of your body.

Poor circulation due to risk factors related to heart disease is much more concerning. Pumping blood through the body at a quick enough pace can be a challenge and frequent cold feet can be a sign that something else is going on.

Peripheral Arterial Disease is a result of poor circulation in the feet and legs.

This condition can have much more serious consequences and should be diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist. One of our podiatrists in Smyrna, Dr. Knox, does a great job of explaining Peripheral Arterial Disease in detail.

Last but not least, if you were or are a smoker, surprise, smoking can cause poor circulation too.

#2: You have an iron deficiency

Are you getting enough iron? Iron is a mineral with several important functions for your body, mainly to make red blood cells and to carry oxygen throughout your body.

Iron deficiency can cause anemia and lead to symptoms like fatigue, but it can also lead to chronic cold feet. Iron-deficiency anemia can occur even in very healthy people.

It can be treated relatively easily with changes in diet and by taking supplements.

#3 You have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes can cause not only feet that are cold to the touch, but also feet that feel cold due to nerve damage.

Other symptoms may include numbness or tingling in the feet. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of nerve damage in the feet, see a podiatrist in Nashville or near you, and take extra care to check them for cuts or injuries.

#4 You’re dealing with Hypothyroidism

When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, your body’s metabolism is affected.

Since metabolism controls both heartbeat and the body’s temperature, an underactive thyroid could contribute to reduced circulation and colder feet.

To boost metabolism, consider more exercise, eat more protein and less refined carbs, and avoid caffeine.

When to see a Podiatrist

If you’re dealing with frequent cold feet, first get a quality pair of wool socks. Then if the cold feet continue, you may want to visit a podiatrist in Nashville or one near you. You can also ask your primary care doctor about it at your next visit.

Make an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as possible if you experience cold feet and:

sores on your toes and feet that are taking a long time to heal
prolonged fatigue
weight changes
foot pain

Know anyone constantly complaining of being cold?

There could be something more going on than inadequate clothing.

Share this article or see one of our podiatrists in Nashville or at any of the Neuhaus Foot & Ankle clinics in Murfreesboro, Brentwood, Smyrna, Hermitage, Mt. Juliet, Lebanon or Waverly, Tennessee.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon | Michigan Medicine

Topic Overview

What is Raynaud’s phenomenon?

Raynaud’s (say “ray-NOHZ”) phenomenon occurs when the blood vessels in the hands and feet overreact to cold temperatures. The blood vessels are extra sensitive and become more narrow than normal, making the hands and feet feel very cold and numb for a short time.

You may also hear this condition called Raynaud’s syndrome or Raynaud’s disease.

For most people, Raynaud’s is more of a nuisance than a disability.

What causes Raynaud’s phenomenon?

Often Raynaud’s has no known cause. (This is sometimes called primary Raynaud’s.)

Raynaud’s may be a symptom of another disease, such as lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, or atherosclerosis. It may also be caused by taking certain medicines, using vibrating power tools for several years, smoking, or having frostbite. (This is sometimes called secondary Raynaud’s.)

Certain things can trigger an attack of symptoms. The most common trigger is exposure to cold. In the cold, it’s normal for the body to narrow the small blood vessels to the skin and to open the blood vessels to the inside parts of the body to keep the body warm. But with Raynaud’s, the body restricts blood flow to the skin more than it needs to. Other triggers can include emotional stress and things that affect the flow of blood, such as smoking, caffeine, and some medicines.

What are the symptoms?

During an attack of Raynaud’s, the blood vessels in the hands and feet tighten. This makes them feel cold and numb and then turn white or blue. As blood flow returns and the fingers or toes warm up, they may turn red and begin to throb and hurt. In rare cases, Raynaud’s affects the nose or ears.

An attack most often lasts only a few minutes. But in some cases it may last more than an hour.

How is Raynaud’s phenomenon diagnosed?

To diagnose Raynaud’s, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and do a physical exam. You’ll need to describe what happens during an attack. If you can take a photo of the affected area during an attack, the photo may also be helpful to your doctor.

There are no tests that can show that you have Raynaud’s. But your doctor may do a blood test or other tests to rule out diseases that may be causing your symptoms.

How is it treated?

If you have Raynaud’s that is caused by another disease, your doctor can treat that disease. This may relieve your symptoms.

There is no cure for Raynaud’s that occurs on its own (primary Raynaud’s). But you may be able to control it by avoiding the things that trigger it.

Keep your body warm.
Don’t smoke.
Avoid caffeine and certain medicines, including cold medicines with pseudoephedrine and beta-blockers. (Don’t stop taking prescribed medicines unless you talk to your doctor first.)
Reduce stress.

If you can’t control your symptoms with these steps, your doctor may give you a medicine such as a calcium channel blocker. This may increase blood flow to your hands and feet and relieve symptoms.

Some alternative treatments, such as herbal supplements and biofeedback training, have shown promise in treating Raynaud’s. But they haven’t been shown to work for everyone. Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in trying any of these.

What are some tips for staying warm?

To keep your hands and feet warm:

Wear mittens or gloves when it’s cold outside. (Mittens are warmer than gloves, because they keep your fingers together.)
Use potholders or oven mitts when you get something from the refrigerator or freezer.
When you drink from a cold can or bottle, use an insulated cover.
Wear wool or synthetic socks rather than cotton ones.
Use foot powder to help absorb moisture from your feet. When your feet are damp, they are more easily chilled.
Swing your arms rapidly in a circle at the sides of your body (“windmilling”). This can increase blood flow into your fingers.
If your hands or feet get cold, run warm (not hot) water over them. This can increase blood flow to them.

To keep your whole body warm:

Wear layers of warm clothing. The inner layer should be made of a fabric such as polypropylene that pulls moisture away from your body.
Wear a hat. You lose more body heat from your head than from any other part of your body.
Don’t wear clothing that is too tight. Tight clothes can decrease or cut off circulation.
Try to stay dry. Choose waterproof, breathable clothes and shoes. Being wet makes you more likely to become chilled.
Drink hot liquids. This helps maintain your internal body temperature.
Try eating a hot meal before you go outside. Some people notice that it keeps them warmer.

Raynaud’s Syndrome (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth

What Is Raynaud’s Syndrome?

Raynaud’s syndrome is a condition that makes a person’s fingers or toes temporarily feel cold, numb, tingly, or painful. When a child has a Raynaud’s (ray-NOZE) episode, blood vessels become narrow, so less blood gets to the affected area.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Raynaud’s Syndrome?

Raynaud’s syndrome usually affects fingers and toes. Less often, episodes can affect the nose, ears, lips, nipples, or knees.

During an episode, the skin will:

get very pale or white
turn bluish or purplish
look rosy or red as the person starts warming up

The skin usually changes from white to blue or purple, then to red. But in some kids, all these colors may not happen, or the colors may happen in a different order.

Episodes can happen when a child is exposed to cold or is under emotional stress. The cold or stress is called a trigger. Episodes usually end within about 15 minutes after a child warms up or calms down.

Who Gets Raynaud’s Syndrome?

Doctors usually don’t know what causes Raynaud’s. But the condition is more likely to happen in people who:

have certain medical conditions, such as lupus or other
connective tissuediseases
have relatives with Raynaud’s

How Is Raynaud’s Syndrome Treated?

Kids with Raynaud’s often can ease the symptoms by doing things on their own. For example, to warm fingers or toes during an episode, they can:

Move to a warmer location.
Swing their arms in circles.
Wiggle the fingers or toes.
Place their hands or feet in warm (not hot) water.
Place their hands against a warm part of the body (such as the armpits).
Rub their hands together or massage the feet.

If Raynaud’s is severe or causes problems, doctors may prescribe medicine to help.

How Can Parents Help?

If your child has Raynaud’s:

Encourage your child to get exercise. This can help with circulation.
Prepare for the weather:
- When it’s cold outside, have your child wear warm, loose layers; thick socks; a hat; and gloves or mittens (mittens help keep fingers warmer).
- In warm weather, your child should have a sweater or jacket available to wear in air-conditioned places.
Help your child avoid things that can make Raynaud’s worse, such as:
- smoking and secondhand smoke
- caffeine
- stress
- tight-fitting rings, bracelets, or shoes, because these can make it harder for blood to move through blood vessels in the area
Teach your child to do relaxation exercises. This can be helpful for managing stress, especially if stress triggers episodes in your child.

Raynaud’s phenomenon | Causes, symptoms, treatments

I first noticed symptoms of Raynaud’s in my teens. My hands would change colour in the cold, and I’d get really bad pain in my fingers.

I hadn’t had a diagnosis, until I had operations on my shoulder and hand recently. The operations weren’t related to Raynaud’s.

I told the surgeon I always had cold hands, and I was referred to a rheumatologist.

I’m a nurse, and the air conditioning at the hospital where I work can make my symptoms worse.

I like to have two or three layers of clothes on. At work, I wear scrubs, and you can only put so much under those.

My Mum laughs at me for wearing my ‘Nanny’s vest’. I’m always wearing gloves and scarves in the summer. Even in the middle of summer, I can have an attack. I always keep clothes like fleeces, hats and scarves in my bag and car.

It’ important to keep my core temperature warm, so I’m always wrapped well.

My daughter does horse riding, so I spend lots of time outside when she is going to and from the farm.

If I’m stressed in any way, I can get attacks, even when I’m wrapped up.

When I go to the supermarket, I tend to whizz round the fridge and freezer aisles because I can feel it starting.

It’s important to keep moving and to keep the circulation going. I’m always wiggling my fingers, just to keep the blood moving. I think healthy eating helps too.

I describe it as sparklers going off at the ends of my fingers and it can be debilitating. A full-on attack can last a couple of hours.

My fingers go white and then blue or even purple. They can go cold and numb. A couple of times they’ve gone a dark grey, almost black. That was scary.

Because the feeling is not there, there can be a tendency to put my fingers in hot water, but I could burn yourself.

And then when the blood comes back it can be painful.

Sometimes I won’t be able to drive home until the pain has stopped in my hands and the feeling has come back. It can take a few minutes for feeling to come back once I’m in the warm, or it can take half an hour.

They’re very frequent in the winter. It doesn’t have to be going out into the cold that does it. Even going from my living room to the kitchen can trigger one, if the temperature is different.

In the winter, it can happen every day. I don’t let it stop me doing things though.