Understanding Raynaud’s

Used to be that Raynaud’s was called a “rare” disease. Perhaps that’s why this year’s theme for Raynaud’s Awareness Month is “Raynaud’s is Far From Rare.” In fact, Raynaud’s phenomenon is more prevalent than leukemia, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease combined. It currently affects 15 to 30 million people in the U.S. At NY Foot Health, we want our patients to be aware of this disorder and its effects on their feet.

More Than Cold Feet

If you have Raynaud’s, your toes and fingers experience vasospasms or restricted blood flow to your skin in these areas resulting in feelings of coldness, numbness, painful throbbing, and tingling. The skin will also turn blue or white. While not a life-threatening condition in and of itself, in some cases, Raynaud’s may signal the presence or development of another more serious medical problem such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, arterial disease, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Risk Factors for Raynaud’s

Typically, cold conditions or stress trigger Raynaud’s. Note that cold conditions can be air-conditioned buildings, not just outdoor temperatures. Other factors that increase your risk for Raynaud’s include:

  • Being female—more women than men are affected by Raynaud’s.

  • Smoking, which also constricts blood vessels and impedes circulation.

  • Cold climates.

  • Previous injuries to hands or feet.

  • Jobs or activities involving repetitive action or vibration include operating a jackhammer, playing the piano, or typing for extended periods.

  • Certain medications, including beta-blockers for high blood pressure, some chemotherapy, ADHD, and migraine drugs, as well as other medicines that cause the blood vessel to narrow.

  • Family history—particularly if a parent, sibling, or child has been diagnosed with Raynaud’s.

Treatment

  • There is no known medication to treat Raynaud’s. The focus is usually on learning and controlling triggers, increasing comfort, and keeping toes and fingers warm. These include:

  • Wearing wool socks

  • Avoiding synthetic fibers

  • Using toe warmers

  • Managing stress

  • Exercising regularly to improve circulation.

If you have consistently cold feet, it’s important that you make an appointment with your podiatrist to track down the cause. Need to locate a podiatrist near you? Use our online directory. To learn more about conditions that affect your feet, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.

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