Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Numbness In Thumb During Winter Even With Gloves On?
Brief Answer:
Need to check blood supply.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
In cold weather small blood vessels undergo spasm, this is natural response to cold by body to prevent heat loss.
But if blood vessels is narrowed for some reason like plaques/calcification etc, then in cold season there is significant reduction in blood supply. This leads to numb fingers.
In your case there might be such reduction in blood supply to thumb. This commonly happens in individuals with long term history of smoking.
A dedicated doppler study can help in evaluation of this.
A visit to vascular surgeon may be considered after doppler evaluation. Particularly to rule out that this is not a progressive thing that will involve other fingers too. Consider this if you have history of smoking.
Hope this helps. Please ask if there are doubts. Regards.
Need to check blood supply.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
In cold weather small blood vessels undergo spasm, this is natural response to cold by body to prevent heat loss.
But if blood vessels is narrowed for some reason like plaques/calcification etc, then in cold season there is significant reduction in blood supply. This leads to numb fingers.
In your case there might be such reduction in blood supply to thumb. This commonly happens in individuals with long term history of smoking.
A dedicated doppler study can help in evaluation of this.
A visit to vascular surgeon may be considered after doppler evaluation. Particularly to rule out that this is not a progressive thing that will involve other fingers too. Consider this if you have history of smoking.
Hope this helps. Please ask if there are doubts. Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
I never smoked the finger fells like its frozen but still works blood pressure is fine just was to doctor two weeks ago and every thing was fine
Brief Answer:
Doppler study at normal and lower temperature
Detailed Answer:
Doppler study at normal and lower temperature can help understand and diagnose this.
A doctor might not be able to diagnosis this by just having look at the thumb, so a clinically evaluation cannot be trusted.
Smoking is one of the major cause, but nonsmoker can also get it.
Doppler study at normal and lower temperature
Detailed Answer:
Doppler study at normal and lower temperature can help understand and diagnose this.
A doctor might not be able to diagnosis this by just having look at the thumb, so a clinically evaluation cannot be trusted.
Smoking is one of the major cause, but nonsmoker can also get it.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
