Cold fingers and toes prevention

It is normal for your fingers and toes to react to cold. Some people, though, feel the cold excessively, even if they just put their hands into a refrigerator or hold a cold drink. Poor circulation and under-activity of the thyroid gland can contribute to cold fingers and toes but a more common cause is Raynaud’s, in which tiny blood vessels in the fingers (and sometimes the toes) go into spasm, usually in response to cold.

The fingers or toes go white and cold, then blue. As the blood returns, they go red and may tingle, throb, or feel numb or painful. Raynaud’s can also be caused y working with vibrating tools such as chainsaws, some prescribed drugs, and stress, or it may occur as a symptom of diseases affecting blood vessels or joints.

See your doctor first
Make an appointment to see your doctor if your fingers or toes are exceptionally sensitive to cold, to establish the cause.

PRACTICAL TIPS
Dressing to stay warm Put on several thin layers of clothing to trap heat next to your skin; thermal underwear may help.

* Wear a hat and warm your hands before putting on gloves (or mittens, which are even warmer). Try battery-heated gloves or hand heating aids.

* Wear warm socks and put padding in your shoes or boots. Avoid tight-fitting footwear and clothes because they restrict blood circulation.

Heated gloves
These gloves are useful if you have to be out of doors for long spells in cold weather. They are powered by a battery in a pouch in the wrist and stay warm for 5-6 hours.

PREVENTION
Preventing attacks If you regularly have cold fingers and toes, a few lifestyle changes can help to prevent or reduce the frequency or attacks.

* Take regular exercise to stimulate the circulation.

* If your problem is triggered by stress, practicing some deep breathing exercises and muscle relaxation techniques may help you reduce it.

* Avoid using vibrating tools if this is a trigger.

What you can do yourself
If your fingers and toes are very sensitive to cold, try these steps to reduce the severity of symptoms.

* Try to avoid handling cold objects. Use mittens or a towel to remove food from a freezer of fridge. Use a cup holder when drinking a cold drink.

* Stop smoking : nicotine causes narrowing of the blood vessels and contributes to Raynaud’s.

* Cut down on caffeinated drinks such as coffee.

* Keeping your body warm helps the circulation to your hands and feet. Dress warmly when you go out in cold weather (see PRACTICAL TIPS).

* If your fingers turn white and numb, swing your arms in large circles, clenching and unclenching your hands. Wiggle your toes to increase blood flow. Use hot-air dryers in toilets to warm your hands, or soak fingers and toes in warm water.

* Make sure your bed clothes are warm. An electric blanket may help, as will wearing socks in bed.

Arrange to see your doctor if:
* Your symptoms are persistent or getting worse

* You develop any new, unexplained symptoms, such as joint pains