Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud’s disease is a condition that commonly affects certain parts of the body. It is a form of blood flow disorder that usually occurs on the toes, feet, and fingers in patients.

The usual feeling that you will have been a feeling of numbness and a cold feeling because of a lack of blood flow to the areas. Numb feeling occurs because the nerves are affected, and the cold feeling means the lack of blood flow that gives heat to cells and tissues.

As per studies, it has been found that the disorder develops when the smaller and minute blood vessels in the body are narrowed. Generally, it affects the minute blood vessel networks in the body, also known as the capillaries.

The lack of blood flow to the areas is usually referred to as vasospasm in medical language.

An interesting study done a few years before found that women are more likely to develop this condition than men are.

Symptoms And Changes That You May Notice

Let us tell you about the few symptoms and changes to the fingers and toes you may notice if you have this issue.

• Color changes which the affected fingers, toes, and feet are likely growing pale, blue, or reddish.
• Sensitivity to cold, as the patient may feel cold more often and be susceptible to low temperatures.
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Pain, a mild pain
• Throbbing
• Stiffness, which usually occurs due to a lack of blood flow.

Types

Therefore, usually there are two types, the primary and secondary versions of Raynaud’s disease.

➯ Primary

• It is when you develop this issue on its own without the influence of other body functions.
• To date, scientists have not been able to find the exact cause of primary Raynaud’s disease.

➯ Secondary

• This is when the issue usually develops due to other body disorders.
• Some of the other common diseases that can develop Raynaud’s disease are lupus, rheumatoid arthritis.

Causes

➯ Primary Raynaud’s Disease

• It is not known, but scientists and experts around the world believe that it is increasing sensitivity to cold and low temperature conditions.
• However, other than this, aging may be a factor, as with aging, the capillary, and blood vessel cells die, affecting blood flow.

➯ Secondary Raynaud’s Disease

• As we told you above, it generally occurs because of an existing health problem in the patient.
• Studies show that different forms of autoimmune conditions can be the likely major cause of the issue.
• Other than connective tissue disorders, arterial damage, diabetic neuropathy, and nerve disorders can cause this issue.
• Scientists also believe that the long-term use of certain medicines can develop capillary cell damage, causing the disorder.

Diagnosis

• Since it affects the toes, fingers, and feet of the patient, there is a likely change in the color of the skin here.
• The doctors will do an external verification of your skin color being too pale, bluish, or reddish.
• They may also check how your skin color and blood flow vary depending on temperature sensitivity.
• The doctors may also conduct blood tests.
• The doctors may also check about your family and if anyone in your family tree has had this issue.
• It is likely that people whose family members have one or more have been affected are more prone to such issues.
• The doctors may have to conduct different types of medical tests, as there is not one single test as of today to confirm the issue.

Tips To Manage Raynaud’s Disease

Here are a few simple tips that you need to keep in mind and avoid Raynaud’s disease-

➯ Avoid Cold

• Avoiding cold temperatures is the key.
• Limit yourself to cold weather outside during the winter and do not go outside.
• Wear proper clothes and cover fingers with double-layer woolen gloves, and feet and ankles with socks and shoes.
• Keep your hands and feet as warm and dry as possible.

➯ Stress Management

• Studies have found recently that cold weather may cause more stress in people and flare up the issues and symptoms even more.
• A doctor will tell you to do different types of yoga and meditation.
• However, these exercises also help you to increase blood flow to the area, thereby keeping the area warm.

➯ Doing Limb Exercises

• You specifically need to be involved in doing different forms of limb exercises that involve finger, hand, foot, and toe movement.

Medical Treatments For Raynaud’s Disease

• The doctors may tell you to use different medicines to control symptoms or increase blood flow.
• To increase blood flow, the doctors may commonly advise you to use a suitable dose of a vasodilator.
• Such medicines activate nitric oxide and dilate the arteries that ensure enough blood flow.
• Along with the dose, the doctors are going to recommend the duration and frequency of use, along with the safety tips.

Natural Treatments

As per recent studies, it has been found that natural and herbal substances can also aid in symptoms and cure Raynaud’s disease.

A few substances are-

• Gingko biloba
• Fatty fish supplements