Hands and Feet, Cold and Tingling – Causes and Symptoms

We have all experienced "pins and needles" when we have sat too long in one position or fallen asleep with an arm at an odd angle. And who hasn't worn socks to bed on a cold wintry night? But when these symptoms com­bine and occur more than just occasionally, the result can be troubling. Many people never associate these signs with any larger issue, but they can mean some­thing more serious.

It's time to see your doctor if you have cold and tingling hands and feet and:

1. Weakness
2. Dizziness
3. Confusion
4. Blurred vision
5. Difficulty speaking

These are all warning signs of a stroke. Do not waste time. Call your doctor immediately.

1. Weakness and fatigue
2. Frequent urination

These symptoms indicate a possible disorder of the endocrine system, which includes your pituitary glands, thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries or testicles.

1. Weakened muscles
2. Shooting pains at night
3. Ulcers on your toes or fingers
4. Pale, dry and sensitive skin
5. Weight loss

If these symptoms gradually appear over several months and spread throughout your body, you might have peripheral neuropathy, a disease of the nerves. This can result from a reaction to drugs or chemicals, or it could be a complication of another problem such as diabetes. It is important to identi­fy the cause and correct it if possible.

1. Weakness on one side of your body
2. Recently lifted something heavy or engaged in vig­orous exercise

It is possible you have ruptured a disk in your back.

1. Stiff neck
2. Headaches
3. Dizziness
4. Double vision
5. Slower reflexes
6. Pain in your neck, shoulders or upper arms
7. Cracking sounds when you move your neck or shoulders

Arthritis of the neck can affect many areas of the body. Your doctor can help you decide on the best way to relieve your symptoms.

Muscle spasms or cramps Seizures

1. Irregular heartbeat
2. High blood pressure

Something as simple as too little calcium in your body can trigger a whole host of nasty symptoms. Calcium supplements can easily remedy this prob­lem.

1. Sharp pain in your hand or arm, especially at night
2. Cramped, stiff hands in the morning
3. No recent injury
4. Cannot make a fist
5. Drop objects often

This could mean you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, a common complaint from people who work repetitively with their hands.

Take a prescription drug

Many drugs can cause adverse reactions or side effects.

1. Your fingers turn white then blue when cold
2. When warmed, they turn red and may throb and swell
3. Pain and numbness as your fingers change colors
4. Attacks that last minutes or hours
5. Infections around your fingernails and toenails
6. Ulcers on your fingers and toes

These symptoms could signal Raynaud's disease. This is a disorder of the circulatory system that restricts the amount of blood flowing to the fingers and toes. Sometimes the ears and nose are affect­ed as well.