10REASONS YOU GET... FREEZING FINGERS

1POOR CIRCULATION Spending time outdoors without gloves in winter months is, of course, the most common cause for cold hands. However, if the symptoms persist after going back inside, this could indicate a circulation problem, meaning the warm blood from the heart cannot travel out into the fingers to heat them up. Poor blood circulation does not always indicate a serious underlying disease. It can be caused by smoking or weight gain, and so can be improved with lifestyle changes.

2NOT ENOUGH STEAK Cold hands and feet could indicate anaemia – low levels of red blood cells. Other symptoms include lethargy, heart palpitations and pale skin. Commonly anaemia is caused by iron deficiency and is often a side effect of another health issue, such as bowel problems or problems with the monthly cycle. Iron-rich foods include dark-green leafy vegetables, red meat, eggs and brown rice. Supplements may also be recommended by a doctor.

3BLOCKED ARTERIES A build-up of fat in the arteries – also known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) – can block the blood flow to the extremities and cause cold hands. It also commonly affects the legs, and if you repeatedly experience pain after exercising, you are advised to visit a GP as untreated PAD can lead to lifethreatening cardiovascular disease.

4MAYBE IT’S RAYNAUD’S An estimated ten million UK adults suffer Raynaud’s Syndrome. For unknown reasons, the vessels in the extremities spasm and block blood flow in response to stress and cold temperatures. Symptoms include fingers and toes going white and numb, and as it subsides and blood returns, pins and needles.

5...OR SOMETHING MORE RARE A rare cause of Raynaud’s is scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that affects skin and underlying tissues such as blood vessels. It causes the body to produce excess collagen, so hardening of skin and excessive scarring are early warning signs.

6YOU SIT TOO STILL The hands and feet are furthest from the heart, so they are first to suffer when there are problems with blood flow. Therefore, it is important to keep moving – even moderate exercise or moving the limbs can help boost the blood flow out to the hands and prevent them getting cold.

7YOU’RE A SMOKER Buerger’s disease, also known as thromboangiitis obliterans, is a condition that leads to narrowing and blockage of arteries and veins in the limbs. It has been linked to long-term smoking. While initially this can cause cold hands and feet, and pain, untreated Buerger’s blockages lead to tissue death which may require amputation.

8IT COULD BE DIABETES Mismanaged diabetes, where the blood sugar levels remain high over a long period, can damage the arteries. It leads to a build-up of plaque, meaning not enough blood reaches the hands and the sufferer is more susceptible to cold.

9YOU’RE FEMALE... A 1998 US study revealed that while female core temperature is higher than males, their hand temperature is lower by almost two degrees. This is believed to be linked to hormone levels.

10...YOU’RE PREGNANT Basal body temperature rises in the early stages of pregnancy, and as a result many women feel their surroundings are ‘colder’ in the first weeks. As anaemia is another side effect of pregnancy, cold hands could be a sign it’s time to check the calendar.