Cold extremities

Cold extremities means that the hands, feet or both feel cooler than usual, or even cold. The symptom may be intermittent or constant, and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling or a fluttering sensation. Cold extremities are a common complaint especially in Finland, where the cold climate can intensify the sensation, but there may also be other causes.

Most often, cold extremities are caused by the body's normal temperature regulation, in which blood circulates primarily to the internal organs and the surface blood vessels in the limbs constrict. Other factors such as little exercise, smoking, certain medicines or stress can also predispose to the symptom. In some cases, the cause may be circulatory disorders such as poor peripheral circulation, neurological causes or, in rare cases, an illness.

Cold extremities are rarely a sign of a serious illness, but if the symptom is accompanied by severe pain, the skin color turns bluish or white, sores appear on the limbs or there are functional difficulties, it is advisable to seek assessment by a healthcare professional. Long-lasting or worsening symptoms should also be investigated.