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Most people may find their limbs to be colder than usual in the winters. Many people tend to have naturally colder hands and feet, regardless of the weather. People who suffer from Raynaud's, however, experience particularly stressful winters as their hands and feet get far too cold than what is considered normal.
Named after the French doctor who first identified the phenomenon in 1862, Raynaud's is a rare disease that affects the fingers, toes, and sometimes ears and nose. Let us take a look at what the disease is and how you can fight it.
Cold hands — what’s normal and what’s not?
Having naturally cold hands is an identified condition that is completely normal and causes no harm whatsoever to a person. There are plenty of reasons for someone to have cold hands without it being an issue.
Spending a lot of time outdoors in cold weather or working in a naturally cold environment can make your hands and feet colder than normal. Similarly, people who live in colder conditions may also have cold limbs. That is completely okay.
If your hands and feet feel cold during warm weather as well, or they take a long time to warm up after being exposed to cold, you may be suffering from a condition that restricts the flow of blood to your limbs, namely Raynaud's.
What is Raynaud’s?
Raynaud's is a disease of the blood vessels. It is a condition where blood vessels narrow in reaction to the body being exposed to cold temperatures. In many people, it is also the reaction to emotional stress.
The narrowed blood vessels restrict the flow of blood and prevent it from reaching the surface of the skin of our toes and hands, and in some cases ears and nose too. As a result, the affected areas turn white and blue. When the blood does reach there, the area turns red.
Raynaud's is not particularly dangerous, just painful and vexing. However, in extreme cases, it can further cause the death of the tissue or ulcers.
Causes of Raynaud’s
To this day, the cause of Raynaud's is not clear. All that is known is that blood vessels overreact to cold temperatures. It can be said that cold temperatures, anxiety, and stress are triggers of Raynaud's.
Furthermore, deficiency of magnesium has also been linked to Raynaud's. This is probably because the deficiency of this specific mineral results in the spasm of one's blood vessels.
Raynaud's has been segregated into two kinds, research into which has shed light onto some supplementing causes of the disease.
The two types of Raynaud’s
The first step toward understanding and curing Raynaud's is identifying which kind of Raynaud's you have, primary or secondary.
Primary Raynaud's is also called 'Raynaud's disease' and it occurs all on its own, for no known cause. It cannot be associated or tracked back to any other condition the person may be facing or had faced in the past.
It occurs more frequently than the other type and is mild in nature. It occurs more in women compared to men. It can be so mild that most people don't even seek treatment. In fact, it can resolve on its own.
Secondary Raynaud’s is known as the 'Raynaud's phenomenon'. It is caused by an underlying condition, disease, injury, medication, or any other causing factor that developed into it. It usually occurs to people in their mid-thirties. It is more severe even though it is less common. It often needs diagnosis and treatment.
Common causes of secondary Raynaud’s
There are many causes that lead to the development of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Some of the medical diseases and disorders that can cause Raynaud’s are:
Rheumatoid arthritis:it is a disease that causes inflammation in joints and can often result in painful deformities.
Lupus: it is a disease in which the body's immune system attacks a healthy tissue.
Scleroderma: a disease in which the skin and body tissues harden.
Atherosclerosis: a disease that causes the plaques of fatty material to form deposits on the inner walls of the arteries.
Pulmonary hypertension: a specific kind of high blood pressure that affects the arteries inside your lungs as well as the right side of your heart.
Cryoglobulinemia: is a blood disorder that damages and causes inflammation to the blood vessels of the body.
Polymyositis: a blood disorder that causes inflammation that results in the weakness of the muscles.
Sjögren’s syndrome: is a disorder that causes the eyes and mouth of a person to dry on their own.
Buerger’s syndrome: is a disorder that causes the blockage in the arteries of hands and feet that can further lead to pain and tissue damage.
Some other causes that can lead to Raynaud's phenomenon that may not be diseases or disorders are listed below:
Injury: injuries to hands or feet that are caused by accidents, medical treatment like surgery, or frostbite.
Smoking: smoking leads to constricting blood vessels.
Medication: beta blocker medicines to treat high blood pressure, chemotherapy medicines, medication for disorders, birth control pills, over-the-counter medicines for the common cold, and migraine meds.
Chemicals: exposure to certain chemicals like vinyl chloride.
Repetitive actions: playing certain instruments, typing, and operating vibrating machinery.
Symptoms of Raynaud’s
Listed below are some of the most common symptoms of Raynaud's that can help you identify if you are suffering from the condition or not. If you detect some of these or are even generally confused if you have Raynaud's or not, we recommend consulting a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
1. Cold fingers and feet
As mentioned before, one of the most obvious and common symptoms of Raynaud's is hands and feet getting cold. Though it is not just limited to them. You can feel the coldness in the ears, nose, lips, and even nipples.
Your hands and feet simply feeling cold may not necessarily be considered Raynaud's. It can be due to other factors such as the climate or your surroundings. So, if you experience just one symptom of limbs getting cold, you should check if you have some other symptoms as well to get a clearer picture.
2. Fingers changing colors
If you are suffering from Raynaud's, your hands and feet won't just be cold, they may change color as well. They will grow lighter in color. You will notice that your fingers may turn white, blue, or even purplish in some cases.
When the blood flow returns, they will flush red. This is one of the clearer signs that you have Raynaud's. In some cases, the nail may also change appearance.
3. Reactions to stress or anxiety
Raynaud's is not a continuous condition. It comes in bouts and episodes and it is usually triggered by something. It is usually cold temperatures, but it can also be stress or anxiety that brings it on.
This is because the condition is caused by over-sensitive blood vessels that react in a similar way to stress as they do to cold temperatures.
4. Numbness or pain in hands
Another tell-tale sign of Raynaud's is that you might experience numbness or a tingling sensation in your fingers. In some cases, the tingling may grow to actual pain in your hands. The pain you will feel will be like being pricked by pins and needles. You may also not be able to move that body part. This pain may occur several times a day, or for days at a stretch.
5. Pain afterward
After a Raynaud's episode is over, the blood flow will return to your hands and feet. This is often accompanied by a stinging sensation or throbbing pain. in just your fingers or your entire hand.
You will feel the pain when your hand temperature returns to normal or while it is warming up. You may even feel a burning sensation in some cases.
Cold stimulation test
If you are suffering from Raynaud's or are not sure whether you are suffering from it or not, we recommend that you take a cold stimulation test. A cold stimulation test is used to diagnose Raynaud's. It is performed by placing one's fingers in an ice water bath.
You can consult with your doctor to conduct a cold stimulation test for you. You may want to do it if you are having the symptoms of Raynaud's, such as numbness or pain in toes and hands after exposure to cold.
There are no prerequisites to conduct a cold stimulation test. The only thing you need to be prepared for is that you might feel some discomfort while performing it. You can always convey to your doctor if the discomfort becomes too much to bear at any point during the test.
The Test
As for what the test entails, it is a fairly simple test that lasts 20-30 minutes. A temperature measurement device will be taped to your fingers and the doctor will record the temperature at that point. You will then be asked to place your hands in an ice water bath for approximately 20 seconds.
You may feel discomfort during this step. After 20 seconds, you will remove your hands from the water. The doctor will record the temperature of your fingers every five minutes. They will do it till the temperature returns to normal, or for the next 20 minutes, whichever is sooner.
Results
If it takes 20 minutes or more for your fingers' temperature to return to normal, you are probably suffering from Raynaud's. If the symptoms are severe, it may be Secondary Raynaud's. Your doctor will begin treatment for the disease at the earliest.
How to treat cold hands?
Primary Raynaud's cannot be cured altogether but its severity can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medication. In the case of secondary Raynaud's, the underlying cause needs to be treated.
Simple changes in your lifestyle can help reduce the number and severity of Raynaud's episodes. Begin with making your indoors cozy and warm. Invest in good-quality blankets and mattresses to keep you warm through the night.
Electric heating cushion relieves the tension of the shoulders and back muscles and relieves the pressure. It prevents the discomfort of exposing the feet to a chilly environment, particularly when warming the feet before going to bed, which helps to relax the mood and aids in falling asleep.
Adjust your home's temperature to be mildly warm. Don't keep it too warm because then, going outside would cause a sudden temperature change for your limbs. Nonetheless, cover yourself well when you step out. Wear gloves, hats, and other protective clothing. You can also invest in battery-powered heat packs and foot warmers.
Similarly, changing your eating habits can also help. Avoid or limit the use of tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages as well. Practice yoga or exercise regularly to keep your body moving and healthy. You can also try stress-reduction techniques.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. Is Raynaud's disease serious?
Raynaud's is not necessarily serious, just painful and frustrating. Though if left untreated, it can become severe.
2. How do you treat Raynaud's?
Raynaud's can be treated through lifestyle changes and medication. Keep you indoors warm, invest in warm blankets and mattresses. Cover yourself up when you go outside. Eat well and exercise regularly.
3. Can Raynaud's be cured?
There is no cure for Raynaud's but it can be treated to reduce its severity.
4. Is Raynaud's progressive?
Yes, Raynaud's is a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse with age.
Conclusion
Most people who suffer from Raynaud's can manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes and some other assistance. The key is to recognize symptoms and seek medical help before your condition gets worse.
Simply having cold hands doesn't necessarily qualify as Raynaud's. If it is accompanied by pain, numbness, or the skin changing color, you should consult a doctor.
Moreover, adopting healthy eating habits and exercising on a regular basis can go a long way in keeping you fit and active. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t just help you keep Raynaud’s at bay but simply helps you lead a better life. It keeps you active, uplifts your mood, raises your immunity, and keeps you mentally and physically healthy.
Relax with Wellcare
From heating pads, heating cushions, foot warmers to electric blankets, Wellcare has a wide range of solutions to help you sleep better and keep your feet warm at all times. For your complete warmth, comfort, and safety, these are made using only the finest available materials.
Our products are also equipped with the 4D Dynamic Warmth Flow system (4D DWF). Innovation in electric heating technology, the 4D DWF mimics the human body’s breathing to ensure even heat distribution throughout the surface of the product.
