What causes heat in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet?
Mar 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
During strenuous exercise, the body's metabolism accelerates, heat production increases dramatically, and blood circulation speeds up. A large amount of heat is carried to the body surface through the bloodstream, including the palms and soles, causing them to become warm. After exercising, it is important to rest promptly and适量补充淡盐水 (consume an appropriate amount of lightly salted water). The symptoms of warm palms and soles will gradually subside. If the body remains in a hot environment for a prolonged period, or if clothing is excessive or too thick, heat dissipation may be impaired.
Palmar and plantar hyperthermia may be caused by strenuous exercise, environmental factors, emotional excitement, indigestion, hyperthyroidism, and other reasons. Management can be conducted according to specific situations. It is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.
1. Strenuous exercise: During strenuous exercise, the body's metabolism accelerates, heat production increases significantly, and blood circulation speeds up. A large amount of heat is transported to the body surface through the bloodstream, including the palms and soles, causing them to become hot. Rest promptly after exercise, and drink an appropriate amount of lightly salted water; the symptoms of palmar and plantar hyperthermia will gradually subside.
2. Environmental factors: Prolonged exposure to a hot environment or wearing excessive or thick clothing can hinder the body's heat dissipation. To regulate body temperature, the palms and soles may be used as heat dissipation sites, resulting in a sensation of warmth. In such cases, move quickly to a cool, well-ventilated area, reduce clothing layers, and wipe the palms and soles with a wet towel to reduce temperature.
3. Emotional excitement: When a person experiences intense emotions such as tension, anxiety, or anger, the autonomic nervous system function becomes disordered, promoting an increase in adrenaline hormone secretion, which can cause palmar and plantar hyperthermia. Timely emotional regulation is needed; deep breathing may be tried, or relaxation techniques such as listening to soothing music or taking a walk can be used to relieve stress and relax the body and mind.
4. Indigestion: In children, indigestion or long-term food accumulation can damage the functions of the spleen and stomach, producing internal heat that manifests as palmar and plantar hyperthermia, often accompanied by abdominal distension and pain. It is recommended to take medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets, Lactobacillus tablets, or Domperidone tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, maintain a light diet and avoid overeating.
5. Hyperthyroidism: Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones accelerates the body's metabolic rate, significantly increasing heat production, which leads to palmar and plantar hyperthermia. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, hand tremors, excessive sweating, increased appetite, and hunger. It is recommended to use medications such as Methimazole tablets, Propylthiouracil tablets, or Propranolol tablets under a doctor's guidance to relieve discomfort.
In daily life, techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help relax the body and mind, reducing feelings of tension and anxiety.
References:
[1] Lin Jie. Don't "Fight Fire with Fire" When Experiencing Palmar Hyperthermia [J]. Chinese Medicine for Health and Wellness, 2022, 8(08): 69-71.
[2] Chen Jun, Xiao Wanzhe. A Preliminary Study on the Pathogenesis Characteristics and Syndrome Treatment Rules of Hyperthyroidism [J]. Hunan Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2012, 28(02): 78-79.
