Last month, science moved one step closer to understanding what causes the chronic condition of cold hands, which affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
The study found that changes in two genes are responsible for Raynaud’s syndrome, a chronic condition that makes it difficult for blood supply to reach the fingers and toes.
In the meantime, health experts recommend a number of quick remedies that can provide at least some relief when the condition’s infamous symptoms – freezing cold hands and feet – appear.
Although health experts have identified risk factors and lifestyle or medical problems associated with the syndrome, no known genetic cause has been discovered
Raynaud’s disease, which affects an estimated two to five percent of people, causes tiny spasms in the blood vessels that cut off blood flow to the fingers and toes
Pour warm water over your hands and feet
During a Raynaud’s attack, warm water can relax muscles and improve blood circulation.
That’s because hot water is a vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels, according to a 2015 study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science.
However, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns against using hot water because it can burn the skin or numb the limbs, making it difficult to feel relief.
Run your hands under a hot tap and then put on a few extra layers of clothing to try to keep the heat in.
Swing your arms in circles over your body
The National Institutes of Health also recommends moving your arms in a windmill pattern to improve blood flow to the arms and hands.
This can be done while standing or walking.
Similarly, the Mayo Clinic recommends curling your fingers and toes or placing your hands under your armpits, as they are naturally warm and help keep body heat close to you.
Bundle
At the first sign of a Raynaud’s attack, grab mittens or a pair of wool socks to quickly warm up your body.
Alberta Health Services in Canada recommends choosing mittens instead of gloves because mittens keep fingers together, which increases body heat.
However, try wearing fingerless gloves indoors so you can still type or perform other tasks that require the use of your hands.
There are several fingerless gloves designed for the office on Amazon and other retailers. So if you don’t mind some fun looks, this might be your best choice.
Although it may sound counterintuitive, experts recommend avoiding tight clothing, as it can restrict blood flow.
Stay away from the air conditioner
The Mayo Clinic advises patients with Raynaud’s disease to avoid rapidly changing temperatures, such as moving quickly from a hot to a cold place. It could be ducking into the produce aisle at a supermarket on a hot summer day.
If you must enter the air conditioning, wear warm clothes to prevent your body temperature from changing too quickly.
The American College of Rheumatology also recommends not setting the air conditioning too high in the summer.
Go for a walk
When the weather is nice, a short walk outside can provide some warmth for cold hands and feet.
This is because when you walk, your heart rate increases. As the heart rate increases, the blood vessels expand.
This in turn improves blood circulation and allows more oxygen to flow through your hands and feet.
What is Raynaud’s disease?
Raynaud’s disease, caused by a drop in temperature or increased stress, causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict, cutting off blood supply.
It can also affect the small veins in the nose, ears and tongue.
Typically, Raynaud’s disease causes the fingers or toes to turn white and numb.
When blood flow returns, they turn blue and eventually red, accompanied by a burning sensation. Attacks can last from several minutes to an hour.
Nine out of ten cases occur in women, with most patients having their first attack before the age of 40.
Although attacks peak during the cold winter months, symptoms can also be triggered by everyday tasks such as taking food out of the freezer, using the air conditioning, or even stress – all factors that cause blood vessels to constrict.
Most patients manage it by dressing warmly, but some develop painful, weeping sores that can become infected.
Although Raynaud’s disease is common, few patients develop a more serious connective tissue disorder called scleroderma.
It can be disabling and life-threatening. It is therefore important to diagnose the disease early so that any complications of the disease can be properly treated.
Raynaud’s is easy to treat and can be temporarily cured with a medication called nifedipine, which relaxes the muscles of your heart and blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
