Page 102 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

100 COMMON CONDITIONS: HEAD, BACK, AND LIMB PROBLEMS

Cold fingers and toes

It is normal for your fingers and toes to react to cold. Some people, though, feel the cold excessively, even
if they just put their hands into a refrigerator or hold a cold drink. Poor circulation and underactivity of the
thyroid gland can contribute to cold fingers and toes but a more common cause is Raynaud’s, in which
tiny blood vessels in the fingers (and sometimes the toes) go into spasm, usually in response to cold. The
fingers or toes turn white and cold, then blue. As the blood returns, they turn red and may tingle, throb, or feel
numb or painful. Raynaud’s can also be caused by working with vibrating tools such as chainsaws, some
prescribed drugs, and stress, or it may occur as a symptom of diseases affecting blood vessels or joints.

See your doctor first
PRACTICAL TIPS
Make an appointment to see your doctor
if your fingers or toes are exceptionally Dressing to stay warm Put on
sensitive to cold, to establish the cause. several thin layers of clothing to trap heat next
to your skin; thermal underwear may help.
● Wear a hat and warm your hands before putting
What you can do yourself on gloves (or mittens, which are even warmer).
Try battery-heated gloves or hand heating aids.
If your fingers and toes are very sensitive to cold, ● Wear warm socks and put padding in your shoes
try these steps to reduce the severity of symptoms. or boots. Avoid tight-fitting footwear and clothes
because they restrict blood circulation.
● Try to avoid handling cold objects. Use mittens
or a towel to remove food from a refrigerator or Heated gloves
freezer. Use a cup holder for a cold drink. These gloves are useful
if you have to be
● Stop smoking: nicotine causes narrowing of the outside for long periods
blood vessels and contributes to Raynaud’s. of time in cold weather.
They are powered by
● Cut down on caffeinated drinks such as coffee.
a battery in a pouch
● Keeping your body warm helps the circulation in the wrist and stay
to your hands and feet. Dress warmly when you warm for 5–6 hours.
go out in cold weather (see PRACTICAL TIPS, right).
● If your fingers turn white and numb, swing your
arms in large circles, clenching and unclenching
your hands. Wiggle your toes to increase blood flow.
Use hot-air dryers in bathrooms to warm your
hands, or soak fingers and toes in warm water. PREVENTION
● Make sure your bedding is warm. An electric
Preventing attacks If you regularly have
blanket may help, as will wearing socks in bed.
cold fingers and toes, a few lifestyle changes can
help prevent or reduce the frequency of attacks.
● Get regular exercise to stimulate the circulation.
Seek further medical advice ● If your problem is triggered by stress, practicing
Arrange to see your doctor if: some deep breathing exercises and muscle relaxation
techniques (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES, pp.20–21) may
● Your symptoms are persistent or getting worse help you reduce it.
● You develop any new, unexplained symptoms, ● Avoid using vibrating tools if this is a trigger.
such as joint pains