Brian Michaluk, D.O.

UPMC Primary Care

As temperatures drop, many people notice their hands and feet feel colder than the rest of their body. For some, this is just a normal response to winter weather. But for others, it raises a common question: ‘Are cold hands and feet a sign of poor circulation?’ The answer depends on what else is happening in your body.

Why Hands and Feet Get Cold

Your hands and feet are your body’s furthest points from your core, where most heat is produced. When you are cold, your blood vessels naturally narrow to conserve warmth for vital organs like your heart, lungs, and brain. This is a normal, healthy response, not necessarily a problem.

Cold hands and feet can also occur if you’ve been sitting still for long periods, are stressed, or smoke. In many cases, simple lifestyle habits cause temporary temperature changes.

When Cold Extremities Point to a Circulation Problem

Sometimes, consistently cold hands and feet can signal an underlying vascular issue.
These signs may suggest your blood isn’t flowing as well as it should:

• Coldness that is constant, even in warm environments.
• Pain or cramping in the legs while walking.
• Sores on toes or feet that heal slowly.
• Skin that becomes pale, bluish, or unusually red.

If you experience these symptoms, your provider may look for conditions that affect circulation, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes-related vascular changes, or Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition where blood vessels overreact to cold or stress.

Other Conditions That Can Cause Cold Hands and Feet

Cold extremities aren’t only about circulation. A few other common causes include:

• Thyroid disorders, which may slow metabolism and reduce heat production.
• Anemia, or low red blood cell levels.
• Low blood pressure, which can limit blood reaching the extremities.
• Certain medications, including beta blockers.

This is why a medical evaluation is important if symptoms persist.

What You Can Do at Home

In many cases, you can warm your hands and feet with simple steps:

• Dress in layers, including warm socks and gloves.
• Move regularly to increase blood flow.
• Stay hydrated.
• Manage stress with breathing exercises or gentle activity.
• Avoid nicotine products, which constrict blood vessels.

If these changes don’t help, or if symptoms are severe, it’s time to talk with a health care provider.

When to See a Doctor

You should seek medical advice if cold hands and feet are:

• Persistent and unexplained
• Paired with pain, color changes, or wounds
• Interfering with daily life
• Worsening over time

A simple evaluation can determine whether the cause is harmless or something that needs treatment. Early diagnosis is especially important for circulation issues, which are most manageable when caught early.

The Bottom Line

Cold hands and feet are often just a response to chilly weather or everyday stress. But when symptoms linger or come with other warning signs, they may indicate an underlying condition that deserves attention.

If you are unsure what’s causing your cold hands and feet, don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary care provider or a vascular specialist. A quick conversation could bring peace of mind, and warmer hands.

Brian Michaluk, D.O., is with UPMC Primary Care and sees patients at UPMC Outpatient Center, 1 Outlet Lane, Suite 400, Lock Haven. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michaluk, call 570-769-1300. For more information, visit UPMC.com/PrimaryCareNCPA.