For many people in Washington DC, their primary complaint about the cold weather months of December through March is that their feet and hands always seem to be cold. For the entire winter, these people feel like they’re in a battle with the weather, constantly turning up the thermostat, layering their socks, and bundling up with blankets in an attempt to warm up their extremities.
For most people, cold hands and feet are merely a temporary discomfort triggered by the environment, but in some cases, there’s a more serious issue at work. That’s why it’s always a good idea to schedule a visit with your primary care provider if cold feet and hands become severe, or persist for an abnormal length of time. Medics USA operates several urgent and primary care centers throughout the Washington DC area so that you can always see a healthcare professional when it’s most convenient for you.
Common Causes Of Cold Feet And Hands
Before you start getting alarmed because the last person who shook your hand commented that it felt like a block of ice, you should know that it’s probably nothing more than the fact that you were recently in a very cold environment.
“Cold hands and feet are a common complaint,” says vascular specialist Natalie Evans, MD. “But generally, when this happens in young healthy people, it isn’t anything to worry about.”
If you fall into this age/health category, all you’ll probably need to do is find a way to warm up your core temperature (warm clothes, hot shower, hot beverages). But what if these quick remedies don’t help? It might be something more serious.
Serious Causes Of Cold Feet And Hands
According to Health Status, the following diseases and conditions all have persistent cold hands and feet as a symptom:
- Frostbite
- Anemia
- Diabetes
- Lupus
- Raynaud’s Disease
- Scleroderma
- Buerger’s Disease
- Thyroid Disease
- Poor circulation
- Nervous system disorders
If your cold hands and feet persist morning, noon, and night for more than 48 hours, or if the cold feelings occur in conjunction with changes in skin color, there may be a problem with your nervous system or blood circulation.
In the case of Raynaud’s Disease, for example, “…[a]n 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),” explains The Cleveland Clinic.
These conditions must be diagnosed by a primary care physician immediately in order to avoid experiencing tissue damage in your hands or feet.
Visit Your Primary Care Physician To Treat Cold Hands And Feet
Even though it’s winter, we realize that you have a lot of responsibilities vying for your time. You might be tempted to ignore your cold feet and hands, dismissing it as a consequence of the season, but it’s important not to push your health to the back burner.
Book an appointment online to check in with your primary care physician to ensure that it’s not something more serious! Contact Medics USA in Washington DC today.