Why do my hands and feet feel cold, and my toes become numb when the weather turns cold?
Disease description:
Whenever the weather turns cold, my hands and feet become icy cold, and I experience numbness in both toes. What could be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
Cold hands and feet, along with numbness in the toes, especially when temperatures drop, may stem from multiple underlying causes:
1. **Poor peripheral circulation**: As ambient temperature decreases, the body constricts blood vessels to conserve heat. If peripheral arterial narrowing or vasospasm is present, blood flow to the distal extremities becomes insufficient, resulting in coldness and numbness in the hands, feet, and toes.
2. **Vitamin B12 deficiency**: Vitamin B12 is essential for nervous system development and function. Its deficiency can damage nerve cells, leading to paresthesia (e.g., numbness) in the hands and feet.
3. **Underlying medical conditions**, such as diabetes mellitus, multiple peripheral neuropathy, or cervical spondylosis—each of which may impair neurological function and contribute to coldness and numbness in the extremities.
Patients are advised to maintain warmth and avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments. Additionally, dietary intake of vitamin B12–rich foods—such as animal liver and meat—may be beneficial. Should symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical evaluation is recommended to identify the precise etiology and initiate appropriate treatment.
