Cold hands and feet are often considered a normal reaction to colder temperatures, but in some cases they can be a warning sign of Raynaud’s syndrome. This disease occurs when blood does not flow properly to the fingers. This is a fairly common occurrence and usually not a serious problem, but it can also be a symptom of more serious diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupusthe newspaper reports.
Some patients need to take medication daily to relieve Raynaud’s symptoms, while others take it as a preventative during the colder months. It is normal to have cold hands and feet in the winter, but with the disease, the body’s reaction to the cold is exaggerated, which worsens the circulation in the limbs even more. The key difference between the normal reaction and the symptoms of the syndrome is the coloring of the hands. In Raynaud’s, the fingers turn pale or blue when the blood supply is impaired. This condition may be accompanied by pain, tingling or loss of sensation.
Most people may experience these symptoms in extremely cold temperatures, but they tend to subside within minutes after moving to a warmer environment. However, people suffering from the syndrome may start to feel them even before temperatures drop to extremes and take longer to get better. Symptoms can last from a few minutes to several hours before circulation is restored. Some patients feel them also on the ears, nose, lips or nipples.
Experts recommend consult a doctorif they appear very severe or worsening symptoms of Raynaud’s syndromeor if they significantly affect everyday lifeif the symptoms appear only on one side of the bodyor if he joins them joint pain, skin rashes or muscle weakness. You should also see a doctor if symptoms first appear after age 30, or if a child younger than 12 has symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome.
Health professionals advise patients to avoid smoking, which impairs circulation, and to limit caffeine, which can trigger symptoms. They should also be kept warm to prevent worsening of symptoms. Regular exercise can also improve circulation, which can help relieve discomfort.
