All About Raynaud’s Phenomenon
What if every time your body felt cold —
- your toes turned white, blue, red, or all of the above in succession
- you felt pain and tingling in your toes – some or all of them
- these symptoms also happened to your fingers.
What’s going on with your extremities when they hurt and turn colors?
What’s happening is a fairly common phenomenon called Raynaud’s (pronounced “RAY-nawds”). Raynaud’s is a reaction to feeling cold, emotionally upset, or stressed out. For reasons that aren’t clear to medical researchers and physicians, the small blood vessels in some people’s fingers and toes are extremely sensitive. They spasm as a reaction to these external stressors, and blood flow is restricted.
Who gets Raynaud’s?
Raynaud’s syndrome or Raynaud’s phenomenon, as it’s sometimes called, appears to be hereditary. Some people develop Raynaud’s as a secondary condition related to an autoimmune disease such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Others have primary Raynaud’s, where no other underlying medical conditions are present. One might also develop Raynaud’s from an injury or trauma, cigarette smoking, or chemical exposure.
Not a winter phenomenon
It may surprise you to learn that the symptoms of Raynaud’s can occur even when it’s warm and sunny outside. Many people with Raynaud’s report that their fingers and toes turn white at all times of the year – for example, when they walk down the frozen food aisle of a grocery store or when they exit the lake after a swim and their core body temperature drops.
Relief for severe disability
Raynaud’s can be a minor hassle or cause excruciating pain. There is medical help if you need it! If you’re suffering, make an appointment with board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County, Virginia. Dr. Wilhelm can prescribe medications to ease the symptoms of Raynaud’s.
For a consultation at our Centreville podiatry office, contact us online or call (703) 996-3000.
