Cold Hands - Raynaud's explained
This condition affects more women than men, and can occur quite early on in life. It causes the blood supply to the hands and feet (and sometimes other areas such as the nose) to be interrupted, upon which those areas turn white then blue as the oxygen supply runs out, and then red as the blood supply is finally resumed. During the white and blue stage, cold and numbness are the primary features, but the return of feeling can be exquisitely painful.
Your ears should pick up sounds and funnel them along the ear canal to the auditory nerve, where they are taken to the brain and interpreted. Tinnitus is a condition whereby your auditory system creates sounds that are not actually there, so you hear ringing, buzzing or swooshing noises that are not audible to anyone else. They may occur in either or both ears, and may come and go at varying levels.
The main cause appears to be oversensitive blood vessels that contract too fiercely when exposed to a drop in temperature, preventing blood from reaching the far-flung regions of hands and feet. It is extremely important therefore to avoid sudden temperature changes, and to make every effort to dress warmly enough. Hats, gloves, scarves and warm footwear should be worn even when other, warmer blooded creatures are scampering around in scanty clothing.
Smoking will worsen this condition, as it affects the blood flow through the smaller blood vessels. Stress has a similarly adverse effect on blood flow, so nutrients that support the nervous system, such as vitamin B and magnesium, may be helpful supplements.
Check your blood pressure with your doctor, as low blood pressure (below 120/75) can be a contributory factor. It is always sensible to contact your doctor about this condition anyway, as it is possible that it is occurring secondary to another ailment such as arthritis. It is also a known side effect of some drugs such as beta-blockers. A sedentary lifestyle will exacerbate symptoms, whereas regular exercise (even if only gentle) will improve blood flow around the body and boost low blood pressure.
Eat warming foods in cold weather, adding plenty of stimulating spices such as ginger and pepper. Fish oils and garlic will help blood flow, and can be both used in the diet and taken as supplements. If the condition has occurred whilst working with vibratory tools such as power drills, then consult your doctor and, if the tools are associated with your work, then talk to the health and safety representative.
Further information is available from raynauds.org.uk or on
01270 872776.
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