Causes of hot hands and feet and ways to treat them


When some people feel hot in the hands or feet, they may feel panic and fear, believing that this condition indicates serious health problems. Therefore, "Dalili Medical" presents in the following lines the causes of hot hands and feet and the available treatment methods, according to our website.

**Causes of hot feet**

 

There are many common causes of hot feet, the most prominent of which are:

**Malnutrition**Malnutrition is one of the main factors that lead to hot feet, as the nerves need a set of nutrients to function properly. When the body is unable to absorb these nutrients, the risk of nerve damage increases, which increases the likelihood of feeling hot feet. Among the nutrients that affect nerve health are:

- Folic acid

- Vitamin B6

- Vitamin B12

**Diabetic neuropathy**Diabetic neuropathy is one of the possible causes of hot feet from the bottom, as it occurs as a result of nerve damage, and is one of the complications associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This condition is accompanied by a set of symptoms, including:

- A burning sensation in the affected areas of the body.

- Pain, tingling, and numbness in the arms, hands, legs, and feet.

**Fungal infection in the foot**Athletes often get an infection known as athlete's foot, which is a common fungal infection that can lead to a set of symptoms.

- A burning sensation.

- A tingling sensation.

- Itching between the toes or on the soles of the feet.

- Dry, peeling skin on the feet.

These symptoms are among the causes of hot feet in men, as athlete's foot or athlete's foot is a disease more common among men than women.

**Exposure to toxic substances**Exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, or mercury can cause hot feet and palms, if they accumulate in the body to toxic levels that affect nerve function.

**Chemotherapy** Chemotherapy is used to treat cancer, as it aims to destroy rapidly growing cells in the body. However, this treatment can cause nerve damage, leading to symptoms such as burning and tingling in the hands and feet, and is therefore considered one of the possible causes of hot feet.

**Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease** Some genetic diseases are considered to be factors that contribute to hot feet, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a type of hereditary neuropathy and one of the most common hereditary neurological disorders.

**Chronic kidney failure** Chronic kidney disease results from damage to the kidneys, which leads to a decrease in their ability to remove toxins from the body through urine. Over time, this can cause neuropathy.

**Hypothyroidism** Hypothyroidism is a condition in which thyroid hormone levels are low, which negatively affects the nerves. This can cause tingling, numbness, or pain in the following areas:

- Feet

- Legs

- Arms

- Hands

Hypothyroidism is therefore a possible cause of hot feet and hands.

**HIV** HIV can contribute to hot feet in several ways:

- In advanced stages of HIV infection, peripheral neuropathy may occur, causing hot, burning sensations in the feet.

- Certain AIDS medications, including some nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

**Guillain-Barré syndrome** Guillain-Barré syndrome is a possible cause of hot feet, in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms include varying degrees of numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs and feet, and may extend to the trunk and arms.

**Vasculitis** Another possible cause of hot feet is inflammation of the blood vessels, which occurs when blood flow to the extremities is impaired, leading to tissue damage.

**Sarcoidosis** Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition characterized by the growth of small clusters of inflammatory cells known as granulomas. If the skin or nervous system is affected, it can cause hot feet.

**Standing or walking for long periods** Standing or walking for long periods, especially in hot temperatures, can cause hot feet, making it a common cause of this condition in the summer. A dip in ice water can also provide relief.

**Peripheral neuropathy** is a medical condition that refers to damage to the nerves that connect the spinal cord to the extremities, such as the arms, legs, hands, and feet. Diabetes is the most common cause of this condition, but other factors may contribute. Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common causes of hot feet at night.

**Pregnancy:** Hormonal changes are factors that lead to hot feet in pregnant women, as these changes lead to an increase in body temperature. Weight gain and fluid retention in the body also contribute to increased pressure on the feet.

**Menopause:** Menopause is one of the reasons that lead to hot feet in women, as changes occur in hormone levels during this stage, which leads to an increase in body temperature, especially in the extremities. Women may also suffer from hot flashes.

**Fever:** Fever is one of the reasons that lead to hot feet in children.

**Wearing many layers:** Wearing too many clothes can lead to heat retention in the body, causing a feeling of heat. **Teething:** Teething may be one of the reasons that lead to a rise in the temperature of the feet, hands and other parts of the body in the child, but this heat is usually mild and does not last for long periods


**Children's excessive movement:** When a child moves excessively, this increases blood flow to his body, which leads to a temporary increase in his temperature.

**Hot weather:** If the child is exposed to sunlight for a long time or the weather is very hot, it is normal for the child to feel hot.

**Continuous crying:** Crying and screaming for long periods may lead to an increase in body temperature.

**Heavy cover while sleeping:** Sleeping under a heavy cover can cause feet to become hot while sleeping, and this also applies to adults.

**Heat of feet and hands while sleeping**

Feeling hot feet is more common than hands while sleeping, and this is usually due to several reasons. Here are the most prominent:

Diabetes Diabetes is one of the most prominent causes of feeling hot feet and hands while sleeping. High blood sugar and triglyceride levels cause nerve damage in the hands and feet, leading to a feeling of heat.

A person should consult a doctor if they experience these symptoms, even if they have previously been diagnosed with diabetes, as this may indicate an irregularity in their blood sugar levels.

.** Erythromelalgia** Erythromelalgia is a rare condition that affects the hands and feet, where the affected person feels intense heat accompanied by pain and redness in these areas. This condition can appear at any stage of life.

** Neuropathy** Neuropathy causes a person to feel hot in the extremities, and is often associated with high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking.

** Alcohol consumption** Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a feeling of heat in the extremities, in addition to fatigue and muscle cramps, dizziness, and loss of control of the urinary system.

Quitting alcohol consumption can be a solution to a certain problem, but sometimes some damaged nerves may not be recoverable.

**. Nerve Nutrition Deficiency** Deficiencies of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 can lead to neuropathy in some cases, causing a feeling of heat in the hands and feet during sleep.

**. Menopause** A hormonal imbalance usually occurs during menopause, leading to an increase in body temperature, especially in the extremities.

**. Hypothyroidism** Low levels of thyroid hormone in the body cause a feeling of heat and sometimes pain in the hands and feet, as the deficiency of this hormone affects the nerves and causes them to be damaged.

When should you see a doctor?

 

Individuals who experience hot feet on a regular basis, or who feel very hot in their feet accompanied by other symptoms, should see a doctor to determine the underlying cause.

When nerve damage is the cause, immediate treatment is necessary to stop the progression of neuropathy.

Urgent medical care should be sought in the following cases:

- Sudden feeling of hot or burning sensation in the feet.

- Hot feet or any other symptoms resulting from exposure to toxins.

- Spreading the sensation of heat and burning to the legs.

- Loss of sensation in the toes or loss of sensation in the foot in general.

### Causes of high palm temperature

 

The temperature of the palm of the hand is affected by several factors, and may be evidence of the presence of certain health conditions. Here are the most prominent causes of high palm temperature:

#### Change in the temperature of the surrounding environment One of the main causes of high palm temperature is the high temperature of the weather, or doing activities that require covering the hands, such as gardening or wearing gloves in hot weather.

#### Exercising When exercising, blood flow in the body increases, which leads to high palm temperature. Writing for long periods can also cause a feeling of warmth in the hands.

It is important to note that if movement is the reason behind the high palm temperature, there is no need for treatment.

#### High blood pressure High blood pressure can lead to increased blood flow to the extremities, which causes the palm of the hand to heat up.

#### Carpal tunnel syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition related to damage to the median nerve in the wrist, and can be caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disorders. This syndrome causes tingling, burning, and a warm feeling in the palm of the hand.

**Peripheral neuropathy** Peripheral neuropathy is caused by other conditions, such as diabetes, which damage nerves and cause a person to feel warm in the palm of the hand.

**Fibromyalgia** Fibromyalgia can be caused by nerve overactivity, which increases the body's sensitivity to temperature changes, and is one of the causes of warm palms.

**Painful erythema** Painful erythema, also known as Mitchell's disease, can be caused by bone marrow disorders, nerve damage, or autoimmune disorders.

**Palmar erythema** Palmar erythema is a rare skin condition that causes red spots to appear on the palm of the hand. This condition can be caused by a number of factors, including pregnancy, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, thyroid problems, or other skin disorders.

**Reflex sympathetic dystrophy** Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, also known as complex regional pain syndrome, is a condition that is associated with neurological and immune disorders. It can be caused by stress, cancer, or infection, and is one of the causes of hot palms.

**Rheumatoid arthritis** Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, usually starting in the small joints such as the hands, leading to a hot palm.Hand.

**Gout** Gout is a type of arthritis that usually affects the joints of the lower extremities, but it can also affect the joints of the hands, causing swelling, redness, and a feeling of heat in the palm of the hand.

**Cellulitis** Cellulitis is a common skin condition caused by a type of bacteria due to obesity, immune disorders, or other skin diseases such as eczema, causing irritation, redness, swelling, and a feeling of heat in the hands.

*Ways to cool the feet at night**

 

Here are some effective ways to cool the feet before bed:

. **Treating the causes of hot feet and hands during sleep**

It is important to first determine the reason behind your feeling hot feet and hands during sleep. It is preferable to consult a specialist doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.

. **Vitamins and nutritional supplements**

Some vitamins and nutritional supplements can contribute to improving the temperature of the feet. It is recommended to use supplements containing lipoic acid or the amino acid carnitine, in addition to turmeric and evening primrose oil.

. **Creams and ointments**

Some creams can help cool the feet at night. However, it is preferable to consult a doctor to choose the most appropriate cream according to the individual case.

**. Hand and foot massage**

Poor blood flow to the extremities leads to a feeling of heat, so a simple massage before bed is one of the most prominent ways to enhance blood flow to the hands and feet.

**. Making changes in daily lifestyle**

It is recommended to make some lifestyle adjustments to reduce the feeling of heat in the hands and feet during sleep, such as: walking daily, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and staying away from alcoholic beverages.

**. Soaking the feet in cold water or an ice bath:**

Soaking the feet in cold water or ice helps relieve the symptoms of hot feet temporarily, as it gives a feeling of coolness and comfort.

However, people with erythromelalgia should avoid soaking their feet in cold water, as it can damage their skin.

**. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE):**

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation can help reduce the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, which is a cause of hot feet. This includes resting the foot, icing the ankle, applying compression, and elevating the feet.

**– Epsom salt:**

Epsom salt is used to treat a variety of problems, including pain and symptoms of athlete's foot. Epsom salt is a natural compound that contains magnesium sulfate and has many benefits, such as:

- Relieving symptoms of athlete's foot.

- Reducing inflammation.

- Preventing peeling skin.

- Reducing odors.

- Treating and preventing constipation.

To benefit from it, you can add a cup of Epsom salt to warm water and then soak your feet in the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes.

Epsom salt foot baths can also help relieve the symptoms of hot feet syndrome. However, people with diabetes are advised to consult a doctor before using Epsom salt, as it may increase the risk of foot damage.

**– Turmeric supplements:** Turmeric contains the compound curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, making it a potential treatment for many skin conditions.

A person can take a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a quarter teaspoon of ground black pepper three times daily. Alternatively, curcumin can be taken in capsule form as a dietary supplement.

**– Fish oil:** Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and discomfort. If a person suffers from hot feet syndrome caused by diabetes, fish oil may help relieve symptoms. One study has shown that fish oil can slow the progression of the disease and may even help treat diabetic neuropathy.

Fish oil supplements are available without a prescription, and anyone can take between 2,400 and 5,400 milligrams of fish oil daily.

**– Ginger:** Ginger oil has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potentially effective treatment for hot feet. One study showed that Swedish massage using ginger essential oil significantly reduced back pain and sciatica compared to traditional Thai massage. Many types of ginger oil are also available without a prescription.

**– Lidocaine:** Lidocaine is a topical anesthetic used to numb the skin. Lidocaine creams can be an effective treatment for diabetic nerve pain, helping to reduce the sensation of hot feet.

**– Capsaicin:** Capsaicin is the active compound found in chili peppers, which is known to be a natural pain reliever. So, you can use topical creams containing capsaicin to relieve diabetic nerve pain, which can help to reduce hot feet.

**Treatment of palm heat**

Treatment of palm heat is determined based on the medical condition causing it, and includes the following options:

- **High blood pressure**: Treatment requires changing lifestyle, modifying diet, taking blood pressure medications, and monitoring blood pressure measurements periodically.

- **Peripheral neuropathy**: The main cause of the disorder is treated and painkillers are used to relieve symptoms.

- **Inflammatory conditions**: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, immunosuppressive drugs, and alternative treatments such as acupuncture can be used.

- **Fibromyalgia**: Treatment includes exercise, lifestyle changes, taking antidepressants, and using alternative treatments.

- **Painful redness of the extremities**:Treatment is done using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other pain relievers.

- **Rheumatoid arthritis and gout**: There is no definitive cure for these conditions, but medications can be used to relieve symptoms such as painkillers and anti-inflammatories, or alternative medicine can be used.

- **Cellulitis**: Treatment requires the use of antibiotics prescribed by a specialist doctor.

**Treatment of hot feet with herbs and natural methods**

 

There are a group of herbs that can be used to relieve hot feet, whether by taking them as nutritional supplements, preparing tea or soaking for the feet, or using oils extracted from them.

Methods for treating hot feet with herbs and natural methods include the following:

- **Turmeric**: It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may help relieve nerve pain and hot feet.

- **Evening primrose oil**: It may help reduce symptoms associated with nerve damage, including hot feet.

- **Apple cider vinegar**: It has the ability to fight bacterial or fungal infections that may cause hot feet, so it can be used in a foot bath to treat this problem.

- **Ginger**: It is characterized by its anti-inflammatory properties, and it is effective in relieving hot feet.

**Treating hot feet by stimulating the nerves**

 

Some treatments that aim to stimulate the nerves are effective in treating hot feet and the symptoms associated with them, such as tingling and pain resulting from nerve damage. Among these methods are:

- Electrical nerve stimulation, which relies on the use of electrodes to deliver a mild electric current to the affected area.

- Magnetic field therapy.

- Laser therapy.

- Light therapy.

**Treating hot feet using vitamins and nutritional supplements**

 

Hot feet can be treated by taking vitamins and nutritional supplements that treat the vitamin deficiency that causes this condition or help repair nerve damage in the feet. These supplements include:

- Vitamin B complex or vitamin B12.

- Iron.

- Alpha lipoic acid, an antioxidant that helps improve nerve function.

- Amino acids, such as carnitine, which are used to treat hot feet in diabetics or those receiving chemotherapy.

- Fish oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain and discomfort and treat hot feet.

Treatment of hot feet with medications

Medications used to treat hot feet include:

- Amitriptyline

- Carbamazepine

- Gabapentin

- Pregabalin

- Duloxetine

In addition, it is important to take medications that treat the underlying causes of hot feet, which may include:

- Antibiotics or antifungals to treat infections that cause hot feet.

- Thyroid hormone.

- Diabetes medications, including oral medications and insulin of various types.