Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Have you ever temporarily lost feeling in your fingers when you’re overly stressed? Maybe you’ve tried to brave the elements during a snowstorm when temperatures are below freezing, and despite being fully suited in warm winter gear, your toes get numb and turn white, blue, or red.

While uncomfortable, these oddities often don’t happen without a cause. This condition is called Raynaud’s Syndrome. Depending on its specific type, it’s also called Raynaud’s Disease or Raynaud’s Phenomenon. It occurs when blood vessels in these extremities or other body parts, such as the nose, lips, ears, or nipples, overreact to stress or cold.

Are your venous symptoms a result of Raynaud’s Phenomenon, or could they be linked to a different vascular issue? Keep reading to learn about common risk factors, possible complications, treatment options, and ways to manage symptoms for better health. Remember: the board-certified doctors at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) have the expertise to help you with various conditions related to chronic venous insufficiency, including spider veins and varicose veins.

Understanding Raynaud’s Syndrome: Types

According to WebMD, Raynaud’s syndrome was named after the French physician who identified it in 1862—Maurice Raynaud. While Raynaud’s ‘syndrome’ is the umbrella term used to characterize the condition, there are two different types that have distinct differences in cause, symptoms, and severity.

Primary Raynaud’s syndrome is the more prevalent type of Raynaud’s. Also called Raynaud’s Disease, it’s not connected to any basic illness, has no known cause, and has typically mild symptoms. Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome, also called Raynaud’s phenomenon, is the rarer form of the condition and has been linked to other diseases, medications, and lifestyle factors. It may have worse symptoms and is more likely to cause severe health problems.

Is Raynaud’s Syndrome Common?

There’s still much to learn about the causes of Raynaud’s syndrome and how it affects the body, but the condition is more common than you might think. According to the Cleveland Clinic, one in 20 people in the U.S. is affected by a form of Raynaud’s syndrome.

Raynaud’s Syndrome: Risk Factors

While anyone can develop Raynaud’s syndrome, it’s more common among the following populations:

• People under age 30 (typically beginning in the teenage years)
• People with a family history of the condition
• People assigned female at birth

Even though it’s rarer than the primary form of Raynaud’s syndrome, Raynaud’s phenomenon has a larger variety of known risk factors, particularly those involving other diseases, such as:

• Scleroderma, which scars and hardens the skin
• Carpal tunnel syndrome, which puts pressure on a major hand nerve and increases sensitivity to cold
• Rheumatoid arthritis, which affects the small joints in the hands and feet
• Primary pulmonary hypertension, a type of high blood pressure affecting lung arteries
• Buerger’s disease, which inflames the blood vessels in the hands and feet

Other risk factors for Raynaud’s phenomenon include:

• Specific medications: Certain medications for migraines, ADHD, or high blood pressure may worsen or cause similar symptoms.
• Work-related exposures: Repeated use of vibrating machinery, such as a jackhammer, or exposure to certain chemicals or cold can make the condition more likely.
• Other repetitive actions: Any consistent movement made with the hands or feet can contribute to Raynaud’s symptoms or an injury from overuse, even if they seem minor, such as typing on a computer or playing the piano.

What Happens During a Raynaud’s Syndrome Attack?

The symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome are episodic, meaning they can onset suddenly in the affected extremities. According to the National Library of Medicine, a flare-up can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe based on a diagnosis of primary or secondary Raynaud’s. Remembering that the secondary type of this condition—Raynaud’s phenomenon—may have more severe symptoms and complications makes it worthwhile to seek solutions at even the first concerning sign.

During an episode of Raynaud’s phenomenon, the narrowing of the blood vessels causes a decrease in blood flow, resulting in the following potential symptoms.

• Feelings of numbness or cold: This occurs when the body isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood. It may come with a “pins and needles” sensation.
• Color changes: Skin color may change near the affected area when blood flow temporarily pauses. The skin often turns white, blue, then red, or a combination of this trio.
• Gangrene and skin ulcers: Those who have a serious form of Raynaud’s phenomenon may grow small, aching sores, typically at the tips of the fingers or toes. Extended episodes of oxygen loss to affected body tissues can result in gangrene, the cellular death and decay of these tissues.

According to the Better Health Channel, Raynaud’s phenomenon doesn’t generally cause permanent damage. That said, its symptoms align with many common concerns of chronic venous insufficiency. If you have any worries about your vascular health status, the CVR experts can give you the support that leads to peace of mind.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Treatment Options

Diagnosing Raynaud’s syndrome—whether primary or secondary—is typically done by reviewing the patient’s medical history and analyzing a blood test. Sometimes, your doctor may examine fingernail tissue with a microscope and perform a cold stimulation test to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment, however, can be a bit more complicated.

While managing symptoms and staying warm can work wonders in treating Raynaud’s disease (the primary form), the secondary form’s treatment method typically requires the underlying illness to be addressed, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Your physician may prescribe a medication to dilate the blood vessels to prevent tissue damage if your case is severe. Surgery may be required to treat major tissue damage or skin ulcers.

Preventing Raynaud’s Phenomenon

It’s worth noting that Raynaud’s phenomenon doesn’t have a “cure,”—but knowing common triggers and how to best avoid them can provide a great sense of relief during day-to-day activities. Tips to prevent a Raynaud’s attack include:

• Avoid long-term exposure to cold weather and sudden temperature changes, such as leaving a warm home on a cold day.
• Review medications with your doctor and find alternatives to any that may increase the risk of a Raynaud’s attack.
• Learn to identify and avoid stressful situations.
• Keep a detailed journal of when episodes occur to identify any potential patterns surrounding triggers.
• Keep hands and feet moisturized to prevent cracks in the skin, and wear rubber gloves when in water.
• Exercise routinely to maintain blood flow and boost circulation.

Remember: Raynaud’s syndrome is just one of many conditions affecting the way blood vessels work. If you have any doubts about your venous health or you’re simply looking for reassurance, there’s no need to wait and worry. We’re here to support you as you take the first step toward relief.

What do you think—are you ready to take control of your venous health? Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you.