Should I see a GP if I have numb or cold hands?

Having cold hands isn’t normally anything to worry about when it’s expected. However, hands that feel cold in mild weather and stay numb for extended periods of time can be a cause for concern. In this post, you’ll find all the information you need to recognise when your cold or numb hands are becoming a condition that requires advice from a medical professional. 

What causes cold and numbness in hands  

In order to assess whether the condition is mild or severe, it’s first necessary to look at what the possible causes of numbness or cold in hands can be. This will allow you to be better judge how it can be treated. Although, if you’re in doubt it’s always best to seek qualified healthcare advice in the form of a private GP consultation or appointment. 

Possible causes of cold hands 

  • Poor blood circulation. 
  • Diabetes. 
  • Anaemia. 
  • Frostbite. 
  • Raynaud’s disease. 
  • Hypoglycaemia. 
  • Lupus. 
  • Buerger’s disease. 

Possible causes of numb hands 

  • Vitamin deficiency. 
  • Extreme alcohol use. 
  • Nerve damage. 
  • Diabetes. 
  • Hand trauma or repetitive strain injury. 
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome. 
  • Infection. 
  • Lyme disease. 
  • Stroke. 
  • Side effects of certain treatments. 

When to see a doctor when you have cold hands or numbness 

The mild symptoms of cold and numb hands are not usually a cause for concern, as they typically subside by taking certain actions. These can consist of pins & needles, loss of sensation, difficulty warming hands. For cold hands, regular exercise can help improve blood flow and wearing proper clothes can reduce the impact of low temperatures. Alcohol consumption and smoking are also considered to contribute to cold or numb hands, so stopping these can also help alleviate symptoms. 

If cold or numb hands are causing you pain or discomfort, you should contact a GP and make an appointment. However, there are other severe symptoms associated with coldness or numbness in the hands which are a clear sign to see a GP. These include: 

  • Weakness or paralysis in the hands. 
  • Dizziness. 
  • Sores on the surface of the skin. 
  • Skin discolouration. 
  • Numbness or cold that spreads to other parts of the body. 

What will happen when I see a GP? 

The first thing most doctors will do is ask to have a look at your hands, as this will help rule out some of the causes. Next, they’ll usually ask some questions about you and the circumstances in which you first developed certain symptoms. If the condition is decided to be mild, they will likely recommend exercises and activities (both to do and to avoid) that will help alleviate the symptoms. In other cases, the consultation may result in you being referred to a specialist for treatment, or the prescription of medication to treat the disease or infection that is the underlying cause of the condition.  

Book an appointment for a private GP Liverpool

By meeting with a healthcare professional, you’ll be able to obtain a diagnosis for ongoing conditions such as cold and numb hands. It if turns out to be one of the more serious causes listed above, getting targeted treatment is important. At #HEALTH, we employ our specialist knowledge to help our guests live the best life they can. That’s why we offer private GP services in Liverpool. As we know, the weather in the north west doesn’t stay warm for long, so don’t wait for a consultation contact us today and to easily arrange private GP consultations. 

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