Local Rheumatologist
-
Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's phenomenon, also known as Raynaud's or RP, is a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the extremities, typically the fingers and toes. It occurs when the small blood vessels in these areas go into spasm in response to cold temperatures or emotional stress. This spasm restricts blood flow, leading to the affected areas becoming pale or white.
-
Loading the player...
What is Raynaud's Disease <p><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/rheumatologist">Rheumatologist, </a>discusses diagnosis and treatment of Raynaud’s disease.</p>Rheumatologist, discusses diagnosis and treatment of Raynaud’s disease.
-
Causes of Attacks of Raynaud's Disease
Attacks of Raynaud’s are typically caused by exposure to cold temperatures, and may last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. In some patients, the attack lasts longer than a few hours. Other things that can trigger attacks include injury, emotional stress, smoking and hormonal changes. In treatment your pharmacist, is the right HCP to make sure it’s the right medication for you.
Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that affects the blood vessels, particularly in the fingers and toes, causing them to narrow and restrict blood flow in response to cold temperatures or emotional stress. While the exact cause of Raynaud's is not fully understood, there are certain risk factors and associations that have been identified.
One of the risk factors for developing Raynaud's is a previous injury to the fingers and toes, such as surgery or frostbite. These injuries can make the blood vessels more sensitive to cold temperatures and other triggers, leading to episodes of Raynaud's. Additionally, individuals who work in professions that involve repetitive actions or exposure to vibrations, like using a drill or jackhammer, are also at a higher risk of developing Raynaud's.
Raynaud's can be associated with autoimmune or connective tissue diseases, suggesting a link to the immune system. It is believed that abnormalities in the immune response may contribute to the development of Raynaud's in some cases. Therefore, individuals with autoimmune or connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, may have a higher risk of developing Raynaud's.
Pregnancy can be more complicated for women who have Raynaud's phenomenon and an underlying autoimmune disease. Raynaud's can potentially worsen during pregnancy, and there may be an increased risk of multiple miscarriages in some women with these conditions. It is important for women with Raynaud's and underlying autoimmune diseases to work closely with their healthcare providers to manage their condition during pregnancy and minimize potential complications.
In severe cases of Raynaud's, doctors may prescribe medications that lower blood pressure to help relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow. However, these medications are typically reserved for patients with very severe symptoms, and their use should be determined by a healthcare professional.
If you have Raynaud's or suspect that your symptoms are worsening, it is recommended to speak with your family physician or primary care provider. They can evaluate your condition, provide appropriate management strategies, and refer you to specialists such as rheumatologists if necessary. Collaborative care involving healthcare professionals like chiropractors, massage therapists, and physiotherapists may also be beneficial in creating a comprehensive health or rehabilitation plan tailored to your specific situation.
-
Primary and Secondary Types of Raynaud's
If you have primary Raynaud’s, there is no associated underlying autoimmune disease, but it can run in your family. Women in their 20s or 30s are most commonly affected, and it occurs more often in young women who are thin. Secondary Raynaud’s occurs alongside a secondary autoimmune disease like lupus, scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis. This type of Raynaud’s is usually more severe than the primary type, and the symptoms may worsen over time.
Secondary Raynaud’s is typically associated with underlying autoimmune diseases. Nearly all patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) also have Raynaud’s.
The classic sequence of color changes associated with Raynaud's phenomenon is as follows:
-
Pallor (white color): The affected fingers or toes initially turn white due to the lack of blood flow.
-
Cyanosis (blue color): As the blood vessels remain constricted, oxygen supply becomes limited, causing the affected areas to turn blue or purple.
-
Hyperemia (red color): When the blood vessels relax and blood flow is restored, the affected areas may turn red as blood rushes back into the dilated blood vessels.
Eventually, the affected skin returns to its normal color once the blood flow normalizes. This color sequence may vary among individuals, and not everyone experiences all three stages.
Raynaud's phenomenon can be primary (idiopathic), meaning it occurs on its own without an underlying medical condition, or secondary to other conditions such as autoimmune disorders (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus), connective tissue diseases (e.g., scleroderma), or certain medications.
Management of Raynaud's phenomenon involves keeping the extremities warm, avoiding exposure to cold temperatures, and using protective measures such as wearing gloves and warm socks. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help improve blood flow and reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. If you suspect you have Raynaud's phenomenon or have concerns about your symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.
-
-
