Poor or reduced circulation means you aren’t receiving the expected blood flow to an area or multiple areas of your body. If this happens, oxygen and nutrient supply may decrease, and you may or may not notice symptoms.
Poor circulation in your hands may be temporary and might not indicate a medical emergency. However, persistent symptoms may require medical attention and assistance.
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Symptoms of poor circulation in the hands
If you have reduced circulation in your hands, you may notice some of these symptoms:
- tingling, numbness, or pins and needles
- pain
- swelling
- throbbing
- cold hands or fingers
- stiffness or difficulty moving your fingers
- loss of strength
- bluish or pale discoloration on your fingertips
Your symptoms may depend on the underlying cause. They may be temporary or permanent or may come and go (recurrent).
Persistent or recurrent symptoms may suggest a need to seek medical assistance to figure out the underlying cause.
Some of the symptoms of poor circulation in your hands may be similar to nerve-related challenges, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy. Only a medical professional may be able to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Causes of poor circulation in the hands
Reduced blood flow to the hands may be due to certain environmental factors or underlying health conditions. Some of the most common causes of poor blood circulation in your hands include:
Raynaud’s phenomenon
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that directly affects blood circulation. It causes the blood vessels in your fingers and toes to narrow. When blood vessels narrow, it can restrict blood flow and lead to numbness and tingling.
Stress or cold temperatures can sometimes trigger the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease.
Other symptoms
Other symptoms of Raynaud’s disease may include:
- pain in your hands or feet
- difficulty moving the affected areas
- a sensation of pins and needles in your hands or feet
- a change in texture or color of your skin in your fingertips or toes
Management strategies
Raynaud’s disease is manageable, and lifestyle changes may help, such as:
- keeping your hands, feet, and entire body warm
- stopping tobacco use (if any)
- discussing medication side effects with your healthcare professional
- managing stress
Anemia
About 2.8 million people in the United States live with anemia. Anemia is when your body doesn’t make enough red blood cells or makes red blood cells that don’t function properly. This reduces oxygen supply to the different organs in your body, leading to the above-mentioned symptoms of reduced circulation in the hands and other areas.
Other symptoms
Other symptoms of anemia may include:
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
- sleepiness
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- headaches
- irregular heartbeat
Management strategies
The anemia treatment your healthcare team recommends will depend on the type of anemia you have. They may suggest:
- iron or ferritin supplements
- vitamins to increase iron absorption
- medications that help make more red blood cells
A nutrient-dense diet may also help prevent anemia symptoms.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition that causes plaque buildup in your arteries. This plaque consists of fats, including cholesterol, that block blood flow to and from the heart.
It’s possible that someone might not notice atherosclerosis symptoms until they experience a medical emergency, such as a stroke or heart attack.
An early symptom of atherosclerosis may be reduced circulation in your hands and feet.
Other symptoms
Other symptoms of atherosclerosis may include:
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- pain in your legs or arms, especially when you exercise
- unusual fatigue or weakness
- confusion
- wounds that are slow to heal
- irregular heartbeat
- erectile dysfunction
Management strategies
Your healthcare professional may suggest different treatments for atherosclerosis, including lifestyle changes or medications that can lower your cholesterol, blood pressure, or risk of blood clots.
Possible medications include:
- ACE inhibitors: Examples include benazepril (Lotensin) and captopril (Capoten).
- Calcium channel blockers: Examples include amlodipine (Norvasc) and diltiazem (Cardizem).
- Statins: Examples include atorvastatin (Lipitor) and fluvastatin (Lescol).
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Get free cardOther causes of poor circulation in the hands
Other factors may also cause reduced blood circulation in the hands, such as:
- Smoking: If you smoke, it may increase your risk of forming blood clots and developing peripheral artery disease, both of which can affect circulation to the hands.
- Exposure to cold temperatures: This may cause blood vessels in the hands to narrow and temporarily affect circulation in your hands.
- Stress response: Although rare, a stress response may cause changes in the blood vessels that affect blood flow to the hands.
- Tight clothing or jewelry: These items may block blood flow to the hands.
If you experience recurrent poor blood circulation in your hands, discussing your symptoms with a medical professional is highly advisable. They will help you find possible causes and build a plan to manage your symptoms.
How is poor circulation managed?
Treatment for reduced circulation in the hands will depend on the underlying cause. Only a healthcare professional can diagnose and treat the cause of persistent poor circulation in your hands.
You can complement these efforts by taking steps to manage your heart health, such as:
- eating a nutrient-dense diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables
- moving your body regularly
- getting at least 8 hours of sleep every day
- quitting smoking (if you smoke)
- managing stress effectively
Summary
Poor circulation in your hands means there’s a temporary or recurrent reduced blood flow to the vessels in this area.
Common causes of reduced circulation in the hands may include anemia, Raynaud’s phenomenon, heart conditions, or exposure to cold temperatures.
Cold hands, numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands and fingers may be symptoms of poor circulation. However, these symptoms may also result from other health conditions.
If the symptoms are recurrent or interfere with your daily life, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional.
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