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Arthritis (Expert Forum)
Heat and cold sensitivity
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding arthritis issues such as: Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Bursitis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Myositis, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Tendinitis, Vasculitis.
Heat and cold sensitivity
by ktwin0971, Jun 14, 2007 12:00AM
I am a 35 year old female who has been having trouble with my hands and feet for several years now. If I am exposed to cold temperatures, my hands and feet go numb and become gray. They eventually warm up, but it is a painful process. My hands and feet hurt a lot when I take showers in the winter. I know this is probably Raynaud's Phenomenon, but the heat sensitivity is puzzling me.
Whenever it gets warm in the summer, I have trouble with being exposed to heat or the sun. My legs, feet and hands sometimes tingle and go numb. I had to stop playing sports because I lose the feeling in my hands for days after playing. My hands and feet grow warm, turn red and feel like they are burning up if I do anything outside in the heat. I have to go home and stick them in cool water to get them back to normal. If I exercise inside, it doesn't happen...but if I do it outside in the heat, the same symptoms occur over and over.
I also grow very tired in the heat. This has been going on for five years and I cannot figure out what it might be.
I was tested for MS several years ago but the test results (MRI) were negative. I am a single mom and I cannot afford to go and get expensive tests done again only to find out it is "nothing"...however, these symptoms make me alter my normal activities. Could you please tell me the best type of health practitioner I should see to help me figure out what is going on? It is driving me crazy. Thanks so much for your help.
Whenever it gets warm in the summer, I have trouble with being exposed to heat or the sun. My legs, feet and hands sometimes tingle and go numb. I had to stop playing sports because I lose the feeling in my hands for days after playing. My hands and feet grow warm, turn red and feel like they are burning up if I do anything outside in the heat. I have to go home and stick them in cool water to get them back to normal. If I exercise inside, it doesn't happen...but if I do it outside in the heat, the same symptoms occur over and over.
I also grow very tired in the heat. This has been going on for five years and I cannot figure out what it might be.
I was tested for MS several years ago but the test results (MRI) were negative. I am a single mom and I cannot afford to go and get expensive tests done again only to find out it is "nothing"...however, these symptoms make me alter my normal activities. Could you please tell me the best type of health practitioner I should see to help me figure out what is going on? It is driving me crazy. Thanks so much for your help.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 16, 2007 12:00AM
, Jun 16, 2007 12:00AM
Numbness due to temperature change can be indeed Raynaud's phenomenon. Normally calcium channel blockers are first-line treatment.
Other causes would include problems with blood flow as well as thyroid problems. Blood tests to rule this out can be considered.
Neurological conditions such as a pinched nerve, B12 deficiency and diabetes can lead to some of these findings. A nerve conduction study and appropriate blood tests can evaluate for these causes.
I would discuss these questions with a neurologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Other causes would include problems with blood flow as well as thyroid problems. Blood tests to rule this out can be considered.
Neurological conditions such as a pinched nerve, B12 deficiency and diabetes can lead to some of these findings. A nerve conduction study and appropriate blood tests can evaluate for these causes.
I would discuss these questions with a neurologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
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