Do you have icy feet and hands even in the summer? This sensation is extremely unpleasant. You may feel embarrassed with cold hands when you shake hands with someone. You may have difficulty to fall asleep during the night because of the cold feet. Cold hands and feet can arise due to cold exposure. Cold hands and feet can also be caused by problems with the circulation to the hands and feet or with the nervous system. Conditions causing poor circulation include diabetes, arteriosclerosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, peripheral vascular disorder and frost bites; neurological disorders such as neuropathy; and decreased metabolism condition such as hypothyroidism. In people with diabetes mellitus, chronic abnormally elevated blood and urine sugar, causes narrowing of arteries and capillaries that impair blood supply to tissues of hands and feet. Arteriosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease result from chronic elevation of blood cholesterol levels that leads to blood vessel narrowing. Raynaud's phenomenon features narrowing of tiny blood vessels as a reaction to nerve sensitivity to cold exposure. Frostbite causes permanent damage to blood vessels that are injured from freezing of tissues. Treating underlying causes are important if there is one found. Other self helps include keep the extremes warm by wrapping them in warm cloth. Stop smoking and reduce caffeine consumption.
Do you know acupuncture can help with your cold feet and hands? Acupuncture can help improve blood circulation in the hands and feet as a result it makes the extremes warm. A study has shown that after acupuncture treatment skin temperature will rise which is probably caused by increased circulation.
References
Svedberg LE et al Complement Ther Med (2001) 9:89-97
