Locations:
Search IconSearch
September 30, 2020/Health Conditions/Heart Health

My Hands and Feet Are Always Cold — Should I Worry?

Learn the possible causes of cold extremities and when you should see a doctor

Raynauds syndrome in hand

It’s a familiar scene. You turn up the thermostat; your partner turns it down. Some people struggle with feeling cold all the time — especially when it comes to their hands and feet.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

If you feel like your extremities are often cold, you may wonder if you should see a doctor. Here’s what you need to know.

When blood vessels constrict

“Cold hands and feet are a common complaint,” says vascular medicine specialist G. Jay Bishop, MD. “But generally, when this happens in young healthy people, it isn’t anything to worry about.”

It’s true that cold extremities can signal other, more serious problems, including peripheral artery disease (PAD);rheumatologic conditions, such as scleroderma, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis; or an underactive thyroid.

More often, though, they are signs of Raynaud’s phenomenon, a common, generally benign condition that causes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes to be overly constricted.

“Blood vessels constrict as a normal, healthy response to cold in order to preserve your core temperature and protect vital organs,” Dr. Bishop says. “However, in Raynaud’s, arteries in the fingers and toes constrict suddenly when exposed to cold, and the vessels slam shut.”

Besides the feeling of cold extremities, Raynaud’s causes temporary color changes. An affected finger may turn white (because the artery is closed), then it may turn blue or purple and, as it rewarms, it may turn red (because the artery is now wide open and dilated).

“These color changes can be quite alarming, but in people with the primary or benign form of Raynaud’s (that is, people with no underlying disease), they are harmless,” Dr. Bishop says.

What to watch for

While Raynaud’s is usually a harmless condition, it can also occur in people with underlying rheumatologic or vascular disease. In that case, the Raynaud’s may be associated with small pits or ulcerations in the fingers or toes that are difficult to heal.

Advertisement

“Any patients who have Raynaud’s and associated skin changes, including tightening or thickening of the skin, nail changes, or cracks and sores that don’t heal, should get checked out,” Dr. Bishop says.

It’s important to talk to your doctor if you have cold extremities and these symptoms:

  • Thickening or tightening of the skin.
  • Poorly healing sores or cracks on the fingertips or toes.
  • Fatigue.
  • Weight changes.
  • Fever.
  • Joint pain.
  • Rashes.

How to deal with feeling cold

If your doctor has ruled out any serious problems, keep in mind that the feeling of uncomfortably chilly fingers or toes often varies by the person. It’s generally based on personal comfort.

“Feeling cold feet or hands when you get into bed just may be who you are, especially if there are no other symptoms,” Dr. Bishop says.

Dr. Bishop recommends the following to help you cope:

  • Keep your tootsies toasty: Wear appropriate footwear and wool socks or layers of socks as needed.
  • Keep your hands warm, too: Even simple things, like wearing mittens instead of gloves, can help.
  • Consider your core temperature: Wear layered clothing, especially thin, warm layers to help preserve your core temperature (and which you can remove as needed).
  • Avoid caffeine and nicotine: These are vasoconstrictors that can exacerbate the effect of the cold.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) in older adults

Cold hands and feet — especially in older people — also can be caused by PAD, which occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked as plaque gradually forms inside the artery walls.

PAD can affect people age 50 or older with a history of diabetes or smoking, while anyone age 70 or older generally should be screened.

These symptoms can signal PAD:

  • Cold feet.
  • Leg cramping, heaviness, or pain when walking.
  • Hair loss on the shins.
  • Nail changes.
  • Painful sores on the feet or toes.

Know your body

When it comes to safeguarding your health, watch for new symptoms that persist, Dr. Bishop says. “What I tell my friends and family seeking medical advice is: You know your body best; you are the one who lives in it.”

If you have a shooting pain once for 20 seconds and it never comes back, you may never get to the bottom of it. But if you have shooting pain in your hands, feet or anywhere in your body for 20 seconds at a time — and it happens 10 times a day for two weeks — something is probably going on.

“Don’t be shy, that’s something you want to discuss with your doctor,” Dr. Bishop says.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Moisturizer being applied to older hands
April 22, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
How To Make Your Hands Look Younger

To help keep your mitts feeling and looking their best, moisturize, exfoliate, wear sunscreen and eat a healthy diet

An arm with two copper bracelets on
February 28, 2025/Orthopaedics
Copper Bracelets: Are There Real Benefits?

Research doesn’t show any benefits to wearing copper bracelets — but your experience may vary

Healthcare provider listening to a patient's heart with stethoscope in exam room
Is Joint Pain Linked to Heart Disease?

Research shows a strong association between rheumatoid arthritis and heart issues

Person rubbing painful wrists and hands on lap.
November 17, 2023/Orthopaedics
16 Hand and Wrist Exercises To Help Ease Arthritis Pain

Simple exercises like tendon glides and finger lifts can have a big impact

doctor showing heart rate and blood pressure watch monitor
November 1, 2023/Heart Health
The Relationship Between Your Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

Both are related to your cardiovascular system, and both can impact the other

Group exercise class at gym.
April 27, 2023/Heart Health
How To Improve Blood Circulation

Blood flow can benefit from leg elevation and even low-impact exercise, like walking

Varicose veins surrounding a bent knee shot in profile
April 15, 2022/Heart Health
When To Worry About Varicose Veins

Some symptoms should be taken seriously

health practitioner listening to a patient's heart with a stethoscope
March 1, 2022/Heart Health
I’ve Been Diagnosed With Cardiovascular Disease — Now What?

Here’s what you need to know about managing your heart health

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad