Even in a warm room, your hands and feet are frozen… Beware of cold hands and feet, which worsens on cold days.

Raynaud's syndrome (Cold Hands and Feet) refers to a condition in which hands and feet feel excessively cold, even in temperatures that shouldn't be considered cold. In addition to the cold in the hands and feet, the cold can also be felt in various other parts of the body, including the knees, lower abdomen, and lower back. As temperatures drop, a tingling sensation can also accompany this condition, requiring even more special care in the winter.

 

While it's easy to assume that cold hands and feet are often caused by a physical condition, it can be caused by a variety of factors. People of all ages, from teenagers to the elderly, experience cold hands and feet, but it's particularly common in women over 40.

Professor Lee Chang-hoon of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Kangdong Kyunghee Oriental Hospital explained, "Women experience many hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, and have less muscle mass, making it difficult for them to maintain body temperature."

Cold hands and feet can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions. Common examples include Raynaud's disease, which causes dilated and reddened blood vessels; Buerger's disease, which is common in smokers; rheumatic diseases; herniated discs; peripheral neuropathy; peripheral arterial disease; carpal tunnel syndrome; and hypothyroidism.

In this case, the cause is found through various tests such as thyroid function tests, inflammation-related indicator tests, nerve conduction tests, electromyography tests, Doppler tests, and nail capillary tests.

There's no specific treatment for Raynaud's syndrome itself. If there's an underlying condition, it should be treated. It's also important to improve lifestyle habits and keep your entire body warm.

 

Professor Lee Myeong-ah of the Department of Neurology at Catholic University of Korea's Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital said, "When doing laundry or dishes, it is recommended to use a washing machine that prevents your hands and feet from touching cold water, and to wear gloves when handling food in the refrigerator."

Easy, home-based half-body baths or foot baths can also help improve blood circulation. Strengthening your physical strength through strength training or aerobic exercise is also a good option. Deep breathing exercises, where you inhale and exhale slowly, can also help relieve stress.

 

Professor Kwon Gil-young of the Department of Family Medicine at Nowon Eulji Hospital advised, "You should avoid smoking and drinks that constrict blood vessels, such as coffee, cola, and alcohol." He also said, "It is recommended to consult a specialist and replace medications related to constriction of blood vessels, such as birth control pills, migraine medications, heart medications, and blood pressure medications, with other types of medications."

Foods recommended for patients with cold hands and feet include garlic, chives, ginger, and salmon. Garlic boosts metabolism and warms the body. Chives are well-known as a nutritional supplement and are particularly beneficial for those with cold hands and feet who experience fatigue and a loss of appetite.

 

On the other hand, foods to avoid include coffee, high-fat foods, and ice cream. Caffeine constricts blood vessels excessively, impeding blood circulation. High-fat foods can impede blood circulation and clog blood vessels. People with cold hands and feet should avoid cold foods like ice cream, which lower body temperature.

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My hands and feet are always cold too

Gloves and socks too

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