Battling the Chill: How to Treat Raynaud’s Disease

Do your fingers and toes regularly turn white or blue, feel numb or throb with pain in the cold? You might have Raynaud's phenomenon. Affecting about 5% of people, Raynaud's can range from a minor annoyance to a sign of a more serious health issue.

Anna Broder, M.D., a rheumatologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, explains Raynaud’s disease and how it can be best treated.

What Is Raynaud's Disease?

“Raynaud's causes blood vessels in your extremities (fingers and toes) to spasm in response to cold or stress, restricting blood flow,” says Dr. Broder. This can lead to:

• Color changes: Raynuad’s has 3 phases: white (blood moves away from the fingers/toes), blue (lack of blood supply), red (the blood returns to fingers/toes)
• Numbness and tingling: Loss of sensation
• Pain: Throbbing or stinging as blood flow returns
  
  

What Causes Raynaud’s Disease?

Raynaud’s can be grouped into two broad categories: 

• A physical response, primary Raynaud’s
• A pathological response, secondary Raynaud’s
  
  

Primary Raynaud's (Raynaud's Disease)

This is the most common type and isn't associated with other health conditions. It's often triggered by cold temperatures or stress. While uncomfortable, it typically doesn't cause long-term damage.

Cold temperatures or emotional responses can trigger an episode. Your body moves blood away from your hands and feet to protect your core temperature, Dr. Broder explains. This reaction helps keep your vital organs warm but can leave your fingers and toes feeling numb, cold, or in pain.

This type of reaction is natural. While you may feel uncomfortable, it usually doesn’t lead to long-term damage or complications. Prevention is key for people with physical Raynaud’s.

Secondary Raynaud's (Raynaud's Phenomenon)

This type is caused by an underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disease like lupus or scleroderma. Secondary Raynaud's can be more severe and may lead to complications like skin ulcers or even tissue damage.

Autoimmune diseases – which cause your body’s immune system to mistakenly attack healthy parts of the body – or other conditions can cause Raynaud’s as a side effect by making blood vessels inflamed. 

Many autoimmune disorders can cause Raynaud’s, including:

• Lupus, when the immune system attacks your healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and organ damage
• Antiphospholipid syndrome, which increases your risk of strokes and blood clots
• Scleroderma, a disease that causes skin and connective tissues to harden
• Vasculitis, which inflames your blood vessels, reduces blood flow and causes damage

While Raynaud’s disease is usually harmless, a doctor can determine whether it’s a reaction to stressors or weather or a sign of a serious health issue. If you have a severe case, Raynaud’s disease can lead to tissue damage or even amputation.

If you have a serious case of autoimmune Raynaud’s, you may experience:

• Ulcers or non-healing cuts
• The same fingers on each hand are not affected evenly 
• Onset of Raynaud’s after 35 years of age

Talk to your doctor if any of the above apply to you.

How to Prevent Raynaud’s 

Tips to prevent physical cases of Raynaud’s include:

• Quit smoking: Smoking constricts blood vessels.
• Limit caffeine: Caffeine can also narrow blood vessels.
• Avoid medications that restrict blood flow: Talk to your doctor about medications like beta-blockers.
• Dress warmly: Wear layers, including hats, gloves, scarves and warm socks.
• Use hand and foot warmers: These can provide extra warmth in cold weather.
• Consider a warmer climate: If possible, living in a warmer climate can minimize symptoms.
  
  

Treatment for Raynaud’s Disease

Treatment depends on how severe your condition is, says Dr. Broder. She adds that treatment also depends on whether the cause is physical or pathological. Some options for treating Raynaud’s include:

Calcium Channel Blockers
These medications relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow.

Vasodilators
A group of medications called vasodilators can help widen blood vessels by relaxing the muscles in their walls. This allows blood to flow more easily, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. Be aware that some of these medications are used to lower blood pressure. They can cause side effects if you have normal or low blood pressure.

Botox Injections
Botox isn’t just for cosmetic purposes. If you have a severe case of Raynaud’s, it can help block nerve reactions. You may need more than one round of injections before seeing improvements.

Nerve Resection Surgery
Nerve resection surgery can help stop nerve responses. This procedure is not always effective. Dr. Broder cautions you should only consider it as a last resort.

When to See a Doctor

Raynaud’s is common and usually manageable. But if you start experiencing symptoms later in life or notice them getting worse, it’s important to see your doctor. Only a professional can properly diagnose and treat Raynaud’s disease and associated conditions.

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Anna Broder, M.D.
• Make an appointment with a rheumatologist near you, or call 800-822-8905.
• Learn more about rheumatology at Hackensack Meridian Health.
     

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.