Questions & Answers about Raynaud’s Disease

October is Raynaud’s Awareness Month. All of us at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center want to make our Fairfax County patients and friends more aware of how Raynaud’s disease could negatively affect your fingers and toes.

Q: What is Raynaud’s disease?
A: Raynaud’s is named after the 19th-century French doctor Maurice Raynaud, who first noted that the fingers and toes of some people became discolored when exposed to cold or stress. Discoloration may be white, blue, purple, red, or several of these colors in succession and often accompanied by pain, tingling, and throbbing.

Q: Who gets it?
A: Men, women, children, and even babies can suffer from Raynaud’s, but it’s much more common in women. Up to 30 million people in the U.S. have it.

Q: What causes it?
A: A Raynaud’s attack is an exaggerated response to cold or stress. Blood vessels in the fingers or toes suddenly contract and become too narrow for blood to pass through. The absence of blood is what causes digits to turn colors. Experts are not sure why some people react to cold or stress this way and others don’t. Not yet proven, but there may be a genetic factor.

Q: Does it hurt?
A: It depends. Some people are not too bothered by Raynaud’s symptoms and never seek medical attention. Others find it too painful to ignore.

Q: How should you treat Raynaud’s?
A: If your attacks are infrequent and mild, simple lifestyle changes can help:

• Avoid cold temperatures and stress.
• Keep your hands and feet warm when you’re out in the cold.
• Use relaxation techniques such as meditation and tai-chi to keep stress at bay.

If your symptoms are frequent or truly interfere with your life, you may benefit from medications. They won’t cure Raynaud’s, but they can improve circulation and help turn major attacks into minor ones.

Q: When should you see a doctor?
A: Anybody with symptoms of Raynaud’s should request an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm. Symptoms can mimic those of other circulation problems such as PAD or chilblains. It’s also important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical causes of your cold, numb toes. Call our Centreville office at (703) 996-3000 or contact us online.