Why Are My Hands Always Cold? Doctors Share Sneaky Causes and Home Remedies
Cold hands, warm heart? See the simple exercise that quickly restores warming blood flow to your hands
We all feel a little chilly from time to time, whether it’s from cold temperatures or blustery wind. But if you find yourself wondering, “Why are my hands always cold?,” an underlying health condition may be to blame. Here, doctors explain some of the most common causes of cold hands and how you can combat discomfort.
Why are my hands always cold? 3 common causes
While some causes of chronic cold hands may indicate a more serious medical issue, many are relatively harmless. Here are the most common culprits, according to experts:
Insufficient blood flow
From a vascular perspective, the top cause of cold hands is inadequate blood flow, says Anahita Dua, MD, Director of the Vascular Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital and member of the Society for Vascular Surgery.
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“When your body gets cold, your blood vessels begin to constrict and push blood away from the surface of your skin,” she explains. “Poor circulation, such as from conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD), can also suddenly cause your hands to feel cold due to reduced blood flow to the area.”
In addition to PAD, Raynaud’s phenomenon can also cause cold hands, says
Margaret Eagan, MD, founder and CEO at Rousia. This condition is caused by vessels in the fingers and toes spasming and narrowing, ultimately decreasing blood flow. Fingers can turn blue or white, and when the episode resolves (usually anywhere from a few minutes to an hour later), your hands may become very red, tingle and even hurt as the blood flow returns, she explains.
Anemia, where there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, can also make it difficult for blood to reach the hands and fingers, Dr. Eagan adds. This disorder can also cause fatigue, lightheadedness and shortness of breath.
According to Dr. Eagan, poor blood flow can also occur due to:
- Aging
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Overweight and obesity
- Smoking
- Omega-3 deficiency
- Varicose veins
- Certain medications, including beta-blockers such as propranolol (prescribed for people who have had a heart attack)
An underactive thyroid
Another top cause of chronically-cold hands is hypothyroidism, says Omayra Quijano-Vega, MD, an endocrinologist with Paloma Health.
“A slow thyroid reduces the body’s metabolic rate, which in turn lowers heat production and can lead to cold extremities, including the hands,” she explains.
Peripheral neuropathy
If your hands always feel cold but aren’t actually cold to the touch, it could be a sign of peripheral neuropathy, Dr. Eagan says. While diabetes is a common cause of neuropathy, other potential causes include infections, liver or kidney disease and lack of certain vitamins, such as B12.
How to manage cold hands naturally
Working with your doctor to pinpoint—and treat—the underlying cause of your cold hands is the best way to find lasting relief. But in the meantime, several simple daily practices can help combat cold hands, says Dr. Quijano-Vega.
Wear gloves
The easiest is dressing warmly, especially in colder environments. Wearing gloves, mittens and insulating fabrics can help maintain warmth, she offers.
Make a fist
For immediate relief, Dr. Quijano-Vega recommends simple hand exercises like clenching and unclenching your fists or rubbing your hands together. Both of these moves can stimulate blood flow and warm up your hands quickly.
Walk around the block
“Staying active is one of the most effective strategies, as regular exercise improves circulation and increases blood flow to the extremities,” Dr. Quijano-Vega explains. “Even a short walk or light stretching can make a significant difference.”
Adjust your diet
Proper hydration is crucial for keeping your hands warm, as it promotes optimal blood flow and prevents blood vessel constriction, Dr. Quijano-Vega says.
“A nutrient-rich diet is equally important,” she adds. “Foods high in iron (such as spinach or red meat), vitamin B12 (like eggs and fish) and healthy fats (such as avocados and nuts) can support better blood circulation and warmth.”
When to see a doctor about constantly-cold hands
Since some causes of cold hands may signal serious health issues, it’s important to know when to seek medical treatment.
“It is natural to overlook or dismiss symptoms like cold hands or feet—which could be warning signs of blood vessel (vascular) disease,” says Dr. Dua. “If left untreated, vascular conditions can lead to serious health consequences, including heart attack and stroke. Seek medical care if your hands are constantly cold and the condition develops suddenly.”
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