Is having cold hands and feet a feature of ataxia?

[HarryB Administrator]

Iain

From my own observations and indeed my own experience cold feet can be very problematic in ataxia, particularly Friedreich's. I think this is mainly because of poor circulation secondary to lack of activity. I am not sure of the extent this is problematic in other ataxias, likewise with the involvement of hands. I personally get extremely cold feet which can be very distressing but I do not have any problems with the temperature of my hands. If I may, I will ask this question to someone else who is in a much better position to be able to give an informed answer.

Harriet

[Hidden]

Thankyou Harriet. This would be much appreciated. I have Raynauds Phenomenenon that would explain white and cold fingers. This is secondary due to another condition but I'm unsure what (mabe ataxia)? I believe it to be secondary as I have only aquired this problem about a year before I was diagnosed with ataxia.

As for my feet, I have noticed this problem has got worse this winter. Regulaly I have to wear socks in bed at night if the temprature has been low during the day. I also wear thick winter socks during the day but my feet still get very cold.

[Litty]

Definitely. Especially feet. I think Harriet is spot on about the reduced circulation.

I have found that the best thing to do is try to stay as warm and dry as you can. Heads and core are very important. This becomes much easier as the weather warms up. Hotties and thick walking socks help. The best thing I found is my daughter Kate, bought me a pair of fake fur Sainsbury's slippers. Everyone thinks they are expensive Uggs, but they were £25! I walk much better in trainers, but think it is better to have poorer balance and warmer feet in the winter months. I wear them most days and when I go out in the winter too. They really help.

If I do get cold, a hot bath and massaging hands and feet helps. Otherwise if I am out, a hot drink and something to eat.

I try to keep my skin in as good a condition as I can. Again Kate got me some massage mitts from the supermarket. I use them all over when I have a warm bath to stimulate the circulation. Also from the doctors I get a Cetraben moisturiser pump. When I am still damp, I put a good layer of this on. It soon sinks in.

My niece knitted me a brilliant Christmas present too. They are fingerless gloves made from alpaca wool that go quite a way up your arms. I wear them everywhere. Inside and out! Great cos you can still hold walking poles.

Hope some of this helps

Lit

[HarryB Administrator]

Iain/Lit

I don't have a problem with my hands (I did when I was a child, but not now) but my feet are a different matter. They are frequently feel like they are blocks of ice even on the hottest day of the year. I do wear Uggs all the time when I am in the flat and frequently when I go out. I know they are expensive but I have tried cheaper alternatives and haven't found them to be as helpful. I thought I was imagining this and that it was just my expensive tastes coming into play yet again but I have spoken to a number of people who have said exactly the same thing. There are times when my feet are cold when wearing them but they drastically improve the situation.

Yet again it is another example of how people are affected differently and finding different things help them. Variety is the spice of life!

Harriet

[AliceS]

I get extremely cold hands and feet- I'm always trying to find solutions. Hands-wise I have battery heated gloves (the heating elements go right into the finger tips which is important, as some only heat the palm) and find that if I put them on the radiator before I go out they last much better.

Feet-wise I like real wool socks, wool is a great insulator. I usually wear a couple of pairs too. Having said that, once my feet get cold, a hundred pairs of wool socks wouldn't make a difference, so try not to get them cold in the first place. Electrically heated foot warmers are good.

Often my hands and feet get so cold, they're numb and my fingers and toes feel like they'll snap off! I haven't yet managed to completely control it but feel that I do my best! Oh, and have a hot drink before you leave the house.

[Hidden]

Some great tips on this discussion thanks. I must invest in some of the items suggested, but I think I'll give the Ugg boots a miss! Massage mitts and battery heated gloves sound good though.

I also like to soak in a warm bath but I have learned to make sure I heat my feet up slowly first before putting them into the water. If I don't it feels like I've stepped into an over powered 'TENS machine'!

[Litty in reply to Hidden]

Lol ...

You are right, Uggs are more of a girl thing! Perhaps NICE men's sheepskin slippers might help at home?

[mcrgirl90]

Yes it is. I know from my own experience, from doctors and from fellow sufferers. There are a few things you can do to ease it though, such as using microwaveable wheat heat packs to warm them.