What causes coldness in the arms?

Dec 03, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, my arms have often felt cold, even in a warm indoor environment, with no improvement. Sometimes, my arms also feel slightly numb. I'm very concerned and don't know what is causing this. I would like to know what exactly causes coldness in the arms.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin

Coldness in the arms is a common symptom that can be caused by various factors. The following are some common causes:

1. Inadequate clothing: Clothing that is too light to provide warmth may lead to a sensation of coldness in the arms when exposed to low temperatures.

2. Weak physical condition: Being excessively underweight or lacking physical activity can result in insufficient muscle mass and fat thickness in the arms, reducing their ability to retain heat.

3. Circulatory system problems: Poor blood circulation is one of the common causes of cold arms. Cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, Raynaud's disease, or Raynaud's phenomenon may impair blood flow, affecting circulation to the extremities and causing the arms to feel cold.

4. Nervous system disorders: Nerve damage or diseases, such as cervical spondylosis or multiple sclerosis, may also lead to coldness in the arms. This is because nerve damage can affect the body's perception of temperature, causing the arms to feel colder than they actually are.

5. Metabolic disorders: Metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism and diabetes are also associated with cold arms. These conditions may interfere with the body's heat production and distribution, resulting in a sensation of coldness in the limbs.