Raynaud’s Syndrome: More Than Just Cold Feet

If cold weather produces a bite to your toes or a sting to your nose, you could be suffering with Raynaud’s Syndrome, which is a disorder of the small blood vessels in the extremities. It is typically characterized by sensitivity to cold temperatures. Because October is Raynaud’s Awareness Month, in today’s post Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, Maryland is providing more information regarding this disease.

With Raynaud’s Syndrome, uncomfortable twinges in the blood vessels are triggered by stress or temperature changes. It affects about five percent of the population, but statistics show that only one in five people seek treatment that is needed to prevent long-term damage.

The extremities that are affected by Raynaud’s, such as toes, nose, ears, or fingers typically change color, from white to blue to red, when they are exposed to the cold and then heat. In contrast, normal fingertips turn blotchy white and red when warming up.

Treatment for Raynaud’s Syndrome

Raynaud’s is classified into two types: primary and secondary. Primary is the most common and is not associated with any undiagnosed condition. The secondary type is less common and is often the first indicator of a connective tissue disease. Without treatment, secondary Raynaud’s can cause painful problems, such as skin ulcers (open wounds).

For primary cases, the patient will be instructed to stay warm and comfortable or find ways to manage their stress. In some cases, blood pressure medications like aspirin are prescribed. Patients who suffer from secondary Raynaud’s are treated much like those with primary, with the addition of certain medications to address the underlying disorder.

Anyone who experiences instances in which the color isn’t returning to affected extremities, especially when pain is extreme or there are ulcers on the fingertips, should report for emergency care. In these cases, the blood vessels may be blocked, requiring immediate attention.

For additional information about Raynaud’s, contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, Maryland today by calling (410) 761-3501.