It’s quite normal for your hands to feel cold occasionally. Whether you’re outside in the cold winter air or sitting in a cool, air-conditioned space during summer, cold hands are typically a reaction to changes in your environment’s temperature.

Generally, having cold hands isn’t a cause for alarm. However, if your hands are constantly cold, it could suggest an underlying health issue.

Could Cold Hands Be a Sign You’re Unwell?

When your hands feel cold, it’s due to the blood vessels that supply your hands and fingers tightening up. Dr. Ernestine A. Wright, an internal medicine and primary care physician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, comments, “If you’re exposed to very low temperatures or handling cold objects, like items from a freezer, it’s expected that your hands will feel cold.”

For the majority of individuals, cold hands shouldn’t be worrisome. They are often just a brief reaction to being in a chilly environment. Nevertheless, certain symptoms may indicate that your cold hands could be linked to a more serious health condition.

If your cold hands persist even when you’re indoors and your body feels warm, it’s advisable to consult a doctor, according to Wright.

Furthermore, if your cold hands come with symptoms like pain or sore fingertips, it’s essential to reach out to a healthcare provider, advises Dr. Hisham Awan, an orthopedic surgeon at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

What Causes Cold Hands All the Time?

The Cleveland Clinic identifies several medical conditions that might result in cold hands:

• Raynaud’s syndrome
• Hyperthyroidism
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Lupus
• Scleroderma

Raynaud’s syndrome is frequently cited as a leading cause of cold hands, states the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. This condition leads to spasm in the blood vessels of the hands, which can significantly reduce blood flow and result in coldness, explains Awan.

Triggers for Raynaud’s syndrome include exposure to cold, stressful situations, or repetitive hand movements such as playing musical instruments or typing, according to Wright.

Tips for Warming Up Cold Hands

If you often experience cold hands, here are some strategies to help manage the issue.

First, try to limit your exposure to cold environments. If you anticipate being in a chilly place—whether outdoors or while handling cold groceries—consider wearing gloves or mittens, Wright suggests.

To warm your hands, you can soak them in warm water for about five to 15 minutes until the cold sensation fades, recommends Wright.

It’s important to remember that the best treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms, so consulting with your primary care physician is essential to find the right solution for you.