Cold Hands: What Causes Them and When To Seek Treatment
Are your hands always cold, even indoors where the heat is blasting and everyone around you is shedding layers? It turns out that this is more common than most people believe and sometimes requires medical attention. Our Hand and Wrist specialists have compiled an easy to understand overview of the causes of cold hands and some signs for knowing when to request an appointment for a consultation with one of our team of medical professionals. Read on to learn why your hands are always frigid and to be sure you shouldn’t be looked at by our staff.
Causes of Cold Hands:
The causes of persistently cold hands – even in warm environments – can range from circulation issues to blood vessel damage. By far, the most common cause of constantly cold hands (and feet) is circulatory issues. Less frequently, blood vessel damage or conditions such as frostbite are to blame. But, on a less serious level, cold hands can be the result of anemia, diabetes, some medications, atherosclerosis, Buerger’s disease, and hypothyroidism. If the coldness in your hands persists or gets in the way of day to day functioning, consult a specialist to diagnose the cause and treat it appropriately.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
If you have recently been exposed to extreme cold, visit an emergency room immediately to rule out frostbite. If you have white patches or scabs on your hands, you should also visit the emergency
room immediately. You should visit our site to request an appointment with a specialist if you have previously been diagnosed with circulatory problems, diabetes, or other conditions that might inhibit the flow of blood to your hands. Lastly, if the pain persists or interferes with day-to-day functioning, consult a doctor.
Call us today, or visit our website, to speak with a NJ hand and wrist specialist about the specifics regarding your hands. Our team can diagnose your condition and treat you if necessary.
