What Is Raynaud's Disease?
posted: Dec. 22, 2021.
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What Is Raynaud's Disease?
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon or syndrome, is a disorder that causes the blood vessels to constrict, cutting off blood flow to the extremities. It typically occurs in the tips of the fingers and toes because the extremities are the structures furthest away from the heart and thus are supplied by the smallest arteries. Attacks are often triggered by physical and emotional stress, such as plunging into cold water or walking long distances.
As the blood vessels spasm, the feet become cold, numb, or even painful, and may take on a white or blue appearance. As the attack subsides, patients may experience "pins and needles" in their lower limbs as their blood vessels open up again.
Types of Raynaud’s
- Primary Raynaud’s (or Raynaud’s disease): happens without any other illness behind it. The symptoms are often mild.
- Secondary Raynaud’s (Raynaud’s syndrome, Raynaud’s phenomenon): results from another illness. It’s often a condition that attacks your body’s connective tissues, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. It’s less common, but it’s more likely to cause serious health problems. This can include things like skin sores and gangrene. These happen when cells and tissue in your toes and fingers die from lack of blood.
How is Raynaud's phenomenon diagnosed?
The process starts with a medical history and a physical exam. Raynauds is typically a clinical diagnosis. At SOMD Foot & Ankle, we can begin by performing a clinical exam and then ordering a noninvasive circulation exam that we perform in the clinic to ensure that you don't have any significant circulation issues causing these changes. We can also order labs that help determine if any autoimmune disorders are contributing to your symptoms. If symptoms progress, we can refer you to a specialist for Raynauds, typically a rheumatologist, for further evaluation, testing, and treatment.
Risk Factors for Raynaud’s
As many 1/10 people may have some form of Raynaud’s. Most have primary Raynaud’s. About 1/100, or fewer, will have secondary Raynaud’s.
- Women are up to 9x more likely to get it than men.
- People of all ages can get primary Raynaud’s, but it usually shows up between ages 15-25.
- People with secondary Raynaud’s tend to get it after 35.
- People with illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and lupus are more likely to get secondary Raynaud’s.
- People who use some medicines to treat cancer, migraines, or high blood pressure may be more likely to get Raynaud’s.
- Also, people who have carpal tunnel syndrome or use vibrating tools like jackhammers may be more likely to get Raynaud’s.
Common Treatments for Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's symptoms can range from mild to severe.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Raynaud's disease, a podiatrist can help you control or avoid flare-ups by:
- Discovering an underlying condition. Finding the likely cause of your Raynaud's flare-ups allows you to treat the condition rather than simply addressing its symptoms. As noted above, taking an extensive history and physical and ordering a circulation test and lab work is an initial step in determining the causes of this disease.
- Maintaining your body temperature. In Raynaud's, this is important year-round, but especially in the colder winter months. In the winter, you should dress warmly in multiple layers, including gloves and thick socks to protect your extremities. Hand warmers can also be beneficial. You may choose to wear socks to bed to keep your temperature constant as your sleep. If you suffer from neuropathy (where you don't have a good feeling in your hands or feet, you want to be especially mindful of what temperature you're keeping your hands or feet so they don't lead to frostbite or burns.
- Creating an exercise regimen. Exercise is one of the best ways to boost circulation, forcing your blood down to your extremities before cycling back to the heart.
- Dietary changes. Some foods and chemicals that constrict blood vessels can have adverse effects on Raynaud's patients. Caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes could potentially trigger a Raynaud's attack or affect your circulation.
- Prescribing at-home treatments. Encouraging blood flow to the feet through massage, moisturizing the feet, wiggling the toes, and other daily habits can help keep symptoms at bay. If you do have a flare-up, you can help get the blood flowing again by finding a warm place to sit and soak your feet in warm (not hot) water.
- Examining medication options. Some patients benefit from prescription drugs to help control Raynaud's symptoms and treat their underlying diseases or illnesses such as nitroglycerin. Certain topical and oral medications can be prescribed if your symptoms worsen and are not improved with some of these treatment options above. Topical medications include nitroglycerin ointment and oral medications include calcium channel blockers and vasodilators. These medications should be typically be prescribed by your primary care physician or rheumatologist, as they manage your entire medication list and would want to ensure it is safe to take alongside your other medications.