Facts About Raynaud’s Syndrome
An unusual condition that we at Goldsmith Podiatry find our Upper West Side patients are often unfamiliar is Raynaud’s Disease or Syndrome. In patients with this condition, the smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin narrow in response to the cold (vasospasm) and decrease blood circulations to the extremities—particularly fingers and toes. Below are some facts about Raynaud’s and how to recognize it.
FACT: Patients with Raynaud’s may notice that in cold temperatures the skin on your feet (and hands) turns white, then blue. Skin changes are usually accompanied by sensations of tingling, numbness or prickly pain.
FACT: The symptoms of Raynaud’s can also be brought on by stress. Smoking, certain medications, family history of the disease and living in a cold climate may increase risk or worsen symptoms.
FACT: Women are more often affected by Raynaud’s than men.
FACT: Raynaud’s Disease can occur on its own and is then known as Primary Raynaud’s. Raynaud’s can also be associated with another medical or lifestyle issue, such as connective tissue diseases like lupus or arterial disease. Secondary Raynaud’s is more serious, and treatment of the underlying cause is necessary. For this reason, if you have any symptoms of Raynaud’s Disease it’s important that you make an appointment at our Manhattan office by calling: (212) 877-1002. Our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith or Dr. Rosanna Troia, will examine your feet and determine if you have Raynaud’s Disease and the appropriate treatment.
FACT: Although Primary Raynaud’s Syndrome may appear at any age, it most commonly occurs initially between the ages of 15 and 30. Secondary Raynaud’s Syndrome symptoms more often appear a little later, around the age of 40.
FACT: Raynaud’s is not usually a debilitating condition. In most instances, the foot doctor will recommend taking extra precautions to keep your feet warm: wearing multiple layers of socks, using foot warmers, warming up your car before driving and limiting time spent if extremely cold temperatures.
If you have additional questions about Raynaud’s Disease, don’t hesitate to contact us.