I am a hypochondriac, and I feel my hands and feet are always cold. Please help.

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 35-year-old male. My weight is 190 lbs. Due to the nature of my job I get little to no exercise. My hands and feet are always so cold. I have to take regular showers for them to feel right. For about three days half of one of my big toes is going numb with a pins and needles feel occasionally. Only medications I take are Citalopram (Celexa) for anxiety and depression. I am also an extreme hypochondriac. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am sorry to learn about your situation and the worries you are experiencing. Your description is consistent with two issues.

1) Cold hands and feet are often seen in patients with a state of chronic panic. Chronic panic is not a common medical term as we speak rather than anxiety. However, in real life, we do see a difference. Patients with chronic anxiety have other psychosomatic reactions than those in chronic panic.

2) The half-numb toe and the other nervous sensations are consistent with an irritated nerve. As long as you do not have a disk prolapse, most cases are self-limiting or treatable with physiotherapy. I understand how important this is for someone who lives in constant fear about his health. Stay strong.