MedDroidSymptom guide
Cold hands and feet: causes, warning signs & what to do
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed
Medically reviewedMany healthy people have cool hands and feet, especially in air-conditioning. If they are always cold, change colour, or come with tiredness, a few causes are worth checking.
Possible causes
Common causes of cold hands and feet
- Normal body response to cold — blood vessels in the hands and feet narrow to keep the core warm
- Raynaud’s phenomenon — fingers turn white, then blue, then red in cold or stress
- Anaemia — low haemoglobin, with tiredness and pale skin
- Underactive thyroid — feeling cold all over, weight gain, dry skin
- Narrowed leg arteries (peripheral artery disease), more likely in smokers and people with diabetes
- Buerger’s disease — in young smokers, painful cold fingers or toes
Self-care
What you can do now
- Wear socks and gloves, and keep the whole body warm, not just the hands
- Stop smoking — it narrows blood vessels
- Move regularly if you sit for long periods
- Avoid sudden cold, such as holding iced drinks, if your fingers change colour
Red flags
When to see a doctor urgently
- A finger or toe that stays white, blue or black, or a sore that will not heal
- One leg suddenly cold, pale, painful and numb — call your local emergency number (108/112 in India)
- Leg pain on walking that eases with rest (possible artery narrowing)
- Colour changes with joint pain, rash or skin tightening (possible autoimmune disease)
Checks
Tests a doctor may suggest
Depending on your history and examination, a doctor may suggest some of these. Your doctor decides which, if any, you need.
Explore more
Related pages
References
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions
Why are my hands and feet always cold?
Often it is a normal response to cool rooms. Anaemia, an underactive thyroid, Raynaud’s and poor circulation are common medical causes worth checking if it is persistent.
Can anaemia cause cold hands and feet?
Yes. With fewer red blood cells, less oxygen reaches the hands and feet, so they can feel cold. Tiredness and pale skin are other clues.
Is cold feet a sign of poor circulation?
It can be, especially with leg pain on walking, slow-healing sores, or in smokers and people with diabetes. A doctor can check the pulses in your feet.