Hand Vascular Problems

What Is Hand Circulation and Why Does It Matter?

Your hand has a rich supply of blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients. Most of the blood comes from two main arteries: the radial artery (runs along the thumb side) and the ulnar artery (runs along the little finger side). These arteries form a loop in your palm called the palmar arches, helping to keep blood flowing even if one artery is blocked.

When circulation is reduced, your hand may not get enough oxygen. This can lead to cold fingers, numbness, pain, or even tissue damage if left untreated.

What Are Common Circulation Problems in the Hand?

• Raynaud’s Phenomenon
  • Blood vessels spasm in response to cold or stress
  • Fingers turn white, then blue, then red
  • May feel numb or tingly
• Blood Clots or Artery Blockages
  • Can happen after injury, surgery, or spontaneously
  • May cause sudden pain, colour change, or weakness
• Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger Disease)
  • A rare disease linked to smoking
  • Causes swelling, pain, and blocked vessels
  • May lead to skin damage or ulcers
• Vascular Injuries
  • Cuts, crushes, or fractures can damage vessels
  • Can stop blood from reaching parts of the hand
• Aneurysms or Malformations
  • Weak spots or abnormal connections in arteries
  • May bulge, clot, or leak blood

What Are the Symptoms of Poor Hand Circulation?

Look out for:

• Cold or pale fingers (especially one or two fingers)
• Blue, red, or blotchy skin
• Numbness or tingling
• Pain, especially with use or cold exposure
• Skin ulcers or slow-healing wounds on fingers
• Weak or missing pulse at the wrist

If you have any of these symptoms, especially after surgery or injury, speak to a doctor.

How Do Doctors Test Hand Circulation?

The Allen Test is a simple way to check if both main arteries in your hand are working and if one can support the hand if the other is blocked.

Modified Allen Test (MAT):

1. You make a tight fist to empty blood from your hand.
2. The doctor presses on both your wrist arteries to stop blood flow.
3. You open your hand—it looks pale.
4. The doctor lifts pressure from one artery to see if colour returns within 5–15 seconds.
   • Fast colour return = good blood flow
   • Delayed colour return = possible circulation problem

Other tools that may be used:

• Doppler probe: Uses sound waves to check blood flow.
• Pulse oximeter: Clips to your finger to check oxygen levels and circulation.

Why Is This Test Important?

The Allen test is often done before:

• Drawing blood gases from the wrist
• Placing an arterial line (a special blood pressure monitor)
• Using the radial artery in heart bypass surgery
• Harvesting forearm skin and tissue for reconstructive surgery

If the test shows poor circulation, the procedure may need to be done differently to prevent serious complications like hand ischaemia (loss of blood supply) or tissue loss.

How Is Poor Circulation Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause:

• Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, managing cold exposure
• Medication: To relax blood vessels or prevent clots
• Surgery: To remove blockages, repair arteries, or restore blood flow
• Wound care: For ulcers or damaged skin
• Rehabilitation: To improve hand function and blood flow

Patient FAQs

Is hand circulation always a concern?
Only if you have symptoms or need surgery that might affect blood flow. In healthy people, the hand’s blood supply is usually very good.

Can poor circulation be reversed?
Sometimes, especially if it’s caused by a reversible problem like smoking or cold exposure. In other cases, treatment can prevent it from worsening.

Is the Allen test painful?
No, it’s quick and painless—just a bit of wrist pressure and hand squeezing.

What happens if the test is abnormal?
Your doctor may suggest further tests or choose a different artery for surgery or blood draws to protect your hand.

Call-to-Action

For more on hand health, circulation problems, and treatment options, visit www.TheArmDoc.co.uk or speak to your GP.
To book a consultation, call 020 3384 5588 or email Info@TheArmDoc.co.uk.

Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only. It does not replace advice from your doctor. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalised medical care.