Warm extremities

Usually are hot and warm feet, legs, hands and arms not a symptom of a serious illness. Still, this can hot and warm extremities also occur in various inflammatory diseases and syndromes. In contrast to cold extremities, those affected usually experience a feeling of heat or even burning pain in the aforementioned areas.

What are warm extremities

Warm extremities are body regions that suddenly become warm or hot without external influences. Both arms and / or both legs are usually affected, although only a single extremity can be affected. The warm extremities occur like attacks, especially at rest or shortly after going to bed. Patients report short-term relief when the warm extremities are cooled.

However, the symptoms return immediately. This process often takes several hours. The warm extremities usually show a red to deep red color. Some patients also complain of swelling in the affected areas. The warm extremities are often associated with severe pain and neurological disorders such as tingling or numbness. Warm extremities are known in particular in Burning Feet Syndrome and Restless Legs Syndrome.

causes

For the warm extremities there are different causes. On the one hand there are various diseases such as Burning Feet Syndrome (BFS), Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, polyneuropathies or even vascular inflammation that can cause warm extremities.

Metabolic and spinal cord disorders can also be the cause of warm extremities. Increased or increased blood flow to the affected regions is also assumed to be the cause. In addition, taking medication can also cause the so-called warm extremities. This happens above all when these drugs have an effect of dilating the blood vessels, which may cause the can result in increased blood flow to the extremities.

Another cause of warm extremities is genetic predisposition. Restless Legs Syndrome and Burning Feet Syndrome can be inherited, although the diseases do not have to occur in every generation.

Diseases with this symptom

• Burning Feet Syndrome
• Polyneuropathy
• Phlebitis

• Restless legs syndrome
• thrombosis
• Tendinitis

• multiple sclerosis
• arthritis
• gout

Complications

Warm extremities occur mainly in inflammatory processes. For example, they can be present in inflammation of the veins (phlebitis), which can have serious complications.The veins can be damaged in the course of the inflammation and can no longer transport the blood sufficiently well. This can lead to varicose veins.

In addition, more fluid is pressed out of the vessels, causing edema. In addition, the risk of blood clots forming on the vessel wall is increased due to the inflammatory process. These can dissolve in the course of the process and be transported further with the blood stream. This can get the thrombus into the lungs and cause an embolism.

The affected person complains of shortness of breath and chest pain. If the thrombus is dragged further, it can also trigger a stroke (apoplexy). The affected person shows paralysis and, depending on the localization, specific failure symptoms. Furthermore, the extremities can also warm up in the case of inflammatory joint diseases. In osteoarthritis or arthritis, the joint cartilage is severely worn down.

This creates cracks and crevices that can go down to the bone. The joint can become severely deformed and the patient's movement is severely restricted. The bones can also be broken and severe pain occurs, which severely limits the quality of life.

When should you go to the doctor?

Warm extremities should always be medically examined. Usually hot feet, legs, hands and arms indicate a serious underlying condition that can worsen if left untreated. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor at the first symptoms. Medical clarification is particularly urgent if there is pain, itching or fever. Pain indicates gout or thrombosis, while fever may indicate inflammation of the veins.

In general, the following applies: warm extremities that appear without an identifiable cause and persist longer than usual must be medically examined and treated. Anyone who already suffers from a disease of the veins should go to the responsible doctor with warm extremities. This is especially true if the underlying condition is associated with similar symptoms. Patients who regularly take medication should see a doctor if their limbs are hot and switch to another medication if possible. Children, pregnant women and other risk groups should also have warm extremities checked. If the symptoms appear suddenly and increase rapidly, it is advisable to go to the emergency room.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

Before treatment can begin effectively, the causes of the warm extremities being found. Because depending on the cause, the symptoms of warm extremities are treated differently. Therefore, various diseases such as Lyme borreliosis, erythromelalgia or Raynaud's disease are excluded.

Are the symptoms e.g. caused by a drug, the symptoms are alleviated after stopping the drug. Sometimes just changing or reducing the active ingredient is enough to "cool down" the warm extremities.

If the warm extremities are caused by an illness such as the BFS or RLS, the illness itself must be treated at the beginning. The symptoms can be alleviated with medication. Another treatment option for warm extremities is pain therapy. Furthermore, acupuncture in combination with other therapies such as Pain therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, achieved good results.

Outlook & forecast

In most cases, extremities that are too warm can be treated relatively well or even avoided. Only in severe cases is it the warm extremities and a disease that needs to be treated by the doctor. Usually, the symptom occurs from taking certain medications that increase blood flow. In this case, the drug should be changed, but you must always consult your doctor. If it is an inflammation of the veins or the Burning Feet Syndrome, these diseases can also lead to warm extremities.

The cause of the symptom can be determined relatively well by a blood test. The treatment itself depends on the cause. When changing or completely stopping medication, there is usually immediate improvement.

If there is also pain in the warm extremities, pain therapy can be prescribed. Physiotherapy is useful for older people to combat the symptom in the long term. In most cases, the warm extremities can be treated well so that there are no further illnesses or complaints.

prevention

To the warm extremities There are various ways to prevent this. If the cause lies with the medication, one should discontinue them or look for an alternative drug.

In addition, healing methods are helpful. It helps if you shower the affected parts of the body cold several times a day.

Since many patients report that the symptoms mainly occur at night and at rest, it is helpful here to cool down the warm extremities shortly before going to sleep or to leave the affected areas over the duvet.

Above all, sufficient exercise and a healthy diet are important, as they have a positive effect on the metabolism.

You can do that yourself

Warm extremities indicate a serious illness and should be evaluated medically. Depending on the cause, hot hands and feet can be treated by yourself with a few home remedies and measures. First of all, it is advisable to put the warm limbs up and protect them. Essential oils made from mint or rosemary cool the extremities and promote blood circulation. A lukewarm foot bath with alkaline additives can help with hot feet. At night or at work, the legs can be cooled with damp wraps.

Effective natural remedies include garlic and hawthorn. They regulate the blood circulation and reliably prevent circulatory disorders. For this purpose, care should be taken to ensure adequate fluid intake. You have to do without stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, as these can sometimes exacerbate the symptoms.

In addition to these general measures, acupuncture and other therapies such as physical and occupational therapy or pain therapy also promise relief. The warm extremities may also be due to a drug. Talking to the treating doctor can usually clarify the cause of the symptoms and take appropriate countermeasures.