Categories

Cold Hands: What Are the Causes and Treatment

Raynaud’s

This is a fairly common disorder that affects the arteries that supply blood from the heart to other parts of the body. It results in temporary constriction or narrowing of the blood vessels, called a vasospasm. Usually, the fingers and hands are affected. In about 40 percent of cases, the toes are also affected. Raynaud’s may only affect one or two fingers or toes. The disease may also affect different parts of the body at different times. During an attack or episode, blood flow to the hands and/or the feet is restricted. Attacks can last from a few minutes to an hour. An attack can be triggered by stress or a sudden or brief exposure to cold temperatures.

There are two forms of Raynaud’s syndrome: primary and secondary.

There’s no known cause for Primary Raynaud’s disorder. It occurs more frequently than the secondary type and is usually less serious.

Secondary Raynaud’s disorder is associated with a more serious underlying condition, disease, or factor. Some of these underlying causes include connective tissue diseases or immune system disorders.

Some of the more common causes of secondary Raynaud’s include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Lupus [1]
  • Scleroderma
  • Atherosclerosis [2]
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Certain blood disorders, such as cryoglobulinemia
  • Sjögren’s syndrome [3]
  • Buerger’s syndrome [4]

Other causes of secondary Raynaud’s may include:

  • Repetitive motions: Repetitive movements associated with typing or playing a musical instrument for long periods may be a factor. Use of electrical tools that vibrate, like a drill or jackhammer, might trigger attacks.
  • Injuries to the hands: Injuries sustained by accident, surgery, or frostbite
  • Use of some workplace chemicals such as vinyl chloride.[5]
  • Use of medications: Certain medications can cause secondary Raynauds, medications such as chemotherapy agents, birth control pills, nonprescription cold and allergy medicines, and beta blockers to treat hypertension. Other medications include narcotics, migraine headache drugs containing ergotamine, and diet pills.

Cold hands may also be a symptom of:

  • Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland may make it more difficult for a person to tolerate the cold. It is also associated with other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and lupus.
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD): When plaque (a fatty substance) builds up on the walls of the arteries, they may become blocked and cause cold hands and feet. PAD occurs more often in adults who are age 50 or older. Those who have diabetes or smoke are at a greater risk.