Usually, hot and warm feet, legs, hands and arms are not a symptom of a serious disease. Nevertheless, these hot and warm extremities can also occur in various inflammatory diseases and syndromes. In contrast to cold extremities, the affected persons mostly feel a sensation 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. Warm extremities are body regions that suddenly become warm or hot without external influences. Usually both arms and/or both legs are affected, although only a single extremity may be affected. The warm extremities occur in 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 continues for several hours. The warm extremities are usually red to deep red in color. Some patients also complain of swelling in the affected areas. The warm extremities are often accompanied by severe pain as well as neurological deficits such as tingling or numbness. Warm extremities are particularly known in burning feet syndrome as well as restless legs syndrome.
Causes
There are several causes for warm extremities. 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 inflammations that can cause the warm extremities. Metabolic diseases as well as diseases of the spinal cord can also be the cause of warm extremities. Increased blood flow to the affected regions is also assumed to be the cause. Furthermore, the intake of medication can also cause the so-called warm extremities. This happens mainly when these drugs have the effect of dilating the vessels, which may result in increased blood flow to the extremities. Another cause of warm extremities is genetic predisposition. Both restless legs syndrome and burning feet syndrome can be inherited, although the conditions do not have to occur in every generation.
Diseases with this symptom
- Burning Feet Syndrome
- Polyneuropathy
- Phlebitis
- Restless Legs Syndrome
- Thrombosis
- Tendonitis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Arthritis
- Gout
Complications
Warm extremities occur mainly in inflammatory processes. For example, they may be present in phlebitis (inflammation of the veins), 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 result in varicose veins. In addition, more fluid is squeezed out of the vessels, resulting in edema. In addition, the inflammatory process increases the risk of blood clots forming on the vessel wall. These can detach in the course and be transported further with the bloodstream. As a result, the thrombus can reach the lungs and cause an embolism. The affected person complains of shortness of breath and chest pain. If the thrombus is carried even further, it may well trigger a stroke (apoplexy). In this case, the affected person exhibits paralysis and specific symptoms of failure, depending on the location. Furthermore, the extremities can also heat up in inflammatory joint diseases. In osteoarthritis or arthritis, the joint cartilage is severely worn. This results in tears and fissures that can extend to the bone. The joint can become severely deformed and the patient’s movement is severely restricted as a result. The bone can also become debris in the process, causing severe pain, and the quality of life is greatly reduced.
When should you go to the doctor?
Warm extremities should be clarified medically in any case. In most cases, 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 as soon as the first symptoms appear. Medical clarification is particularly urgent if pain, itching or fever are also present.For example, pain indicates gout or thrombosis, while fever may indicate inflammation of the veins. In general, therefore, warm extremities that occur without any apparent cause and persist longer than usual must be medically examined and treated. Anyone who already suffers from a disease of the veins, warm extremities should see the doctor in charge. This is especially true if the underlying condition is associated with similar symptoms. Patients who regularly take medication should see a doctor if they have hot limbs and, if possible, switch to a different medication. Children, pregnant women and other risk groups should also have warm limbs clarified. If symptoms occur quite suddenly and increase rapidly as they progress, a trip to the emergency room is recommended.
Treatment and therapy
Before treatment can be effectively started, the causes of warm extremities must first be found. Because depending on the cause, the symptoms of warm extremities are treated differently. Therefore, various diseases such as Lyme disease, erythromelalgia, or even Raynaud’s disease must be ruled out beforehand. If the symptoms are caused, for example, by a drug, the complaints are alleviated after discontinuation of the drug. Sometimes even the change or reduction of the active substance is sufficient to “cool down” the warm extremities again. If the warm extremities are caused by a disease such as FSO or RLS, the disease itself must be treated at the beginning. Medication can be used to alleviate the symptoms. Another treatment option for warm extremities is pain therapy. Furthermore, acupuncture in combination with other therapies such as pain therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, has also achieved good results.
Outlook and prognosis
In most cases, extremities that are too warm can be treated relatively well or even avoided. Only in severe cases, warm extremities and a disease that must be treated by the doctor. As a rule, the symptom occurs due to the use of certain drugs that promote blood circulation. In this case, the medication should be changed, but it is always necessary to consult with the doctor. If it is an inflammation of the veins or burning feet syndrome, these diseases can also cause warm extremities. The cause of the symptom can be relatively well determined by a blood test. The treatment itself depends on the cause. When medications are changed or completely discontinued, there is usually an immediate improvement. If warm extremities also cause pain, pain therapy may be prescribed. In older individuals, physical therapies are useful to address the symptom in the long term. In any case, in most cases, warm extremities can be treated well so that no further illness or discomfort occurs.
Prevention
To prevent the warm extremities, there are several remedies. If the cause is with the medications, so you should stop them or look for an alternative preparation. Healing methods are also helpful. It helps if the affected body parts are cold showered several times a day. Since many patients report that the symptoms occur mainly at night and at rest, it is helpful here if one cools the warm extremities shortly before sleeping or leaves the affected areas over the bed cover. Above all, sufficient exercise and a healthy diet are also important, as they have a positive effect on the metabolism.
What you can do yourself
Warm extremities indicate a serious illness and should be medically clarified. Depending on the cause, hot hands and feet can be treated yourself with some home remedies and measures. First, it is recommended to elevate the warm limbs and take it easy. Essential oils of mint or rosemary cool the extremities and promote circulation. For hot feet, a lukewarm foot bath with alkaline additives can help. At night or at work, the legs can be cooled with moist wraps. Effective natural remedies include garlic and hawthorn. They regulate blood circulation and reliably prevent circulatory disorders. For this purpose, attention should also be paid to sufficient fluid intake.People must avoid 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. It is also possible that the warm extremities are due to a medication. In discussion with the attending physician, the cause of the discomfort can usually be clarified and an appropriate countermeasure can be taken.