US Medical Term · symptoms
Cold Extremities
Extremidades frías
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Cold Extremities |
| Spanish (Español) | Extremidades frías |
| Chinese (中文) | 四肢冰冷 |
| Korean (한국어) | 사지 냉증 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Tay chân lạnh |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Malamig na mga kamay at paa |
| Portuguese (Português) | Extremidades frias |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | มือเท้าเย็น |
| Japanese (日本語) | 四肢冷感 |
What it means
Cold extremities — persistently cold hands, feet, fingers, or toes — occur when blood flow to the outer parts of the body is reduced. The most common cause is Raynaud's phenomenon, where blood vessels temporarily spasm in response to cold or stress, turning fingers or toes white, then blue, then red. Other causes include peripheral artery disease (PAD), hypothyroidism, anemia, smoking, and diabetes. While often a minor nuisance, cold extremities accompanied by color changes, non-healing sores, or pain may indicate serious vascular disease. Tell your doctor if the symptom is persistent, worsening, or affects daily life, as treatment can improve circulation and comfort.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My hands and feet are always cold, even in a warm room.
Mis manos y pies siempre están fríos, incluso en un cuarto cálido.
When I go outside in cold weather, my fingers turn white and then blue.
Cuando salgo con clima frío, mis dedos se ponen blancos y luego azules.
My toes feel cold and numb and sometimes look purplish.
Mis dedos del pie se sienten fríos y entumecidos y a veces se ven morados.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
I73 Other peripheral vascular diseasesRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026