What is Raynaud’s Disease?
This Raynaud’s Awareness Month, we want to shed some light on an unusual disease that affects tens of millions of Americans and their toes.
Raynaud’s disease, sometimes called Raynaud’s phenomenon, is a problem with the small blood vessels in your fingers and toes. For reasons that aren’t entirely clear, some people experience vasoconstriction. That is, the tiny vessels in their extremities overreact to being cold. The vessels begin to spasm, preventing proper blood flow. Without the necessary blood flowing into your fingers and toes, they:
- hurt – often quite badly
- turn colors –white, red, or blue, or gradually progressing through all these colors
- feel tingly or numb
- may begin throbbing
Not just an exterior thing
Raynaud’s Awareness Month happens every October, probably because we’ve said goodbye to summer and are on the cusp of cold weather. However, cold weather outside isn’t the only thing that can bring on a Raynaud’s attack. Emotional stress can also be a factor. Some underlying diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can also put you at a higher risk for developing Raynaud’s.
Have your symptoms checked
If you experience tingling, swelling, or pain in your toes when you feel cold, are exposed to cold temperatures, or are feeling stressed, make an appointment with our experienced podiatric surgeons, Dr. Craig B. Frey, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, and Dr. Jim Swienconek. We can test you for Raynaud’s, and we can also eliminate other causes, including diabetic neuropathy. If your symptoms are debilitating, we may recommend medication. However, in most cases, you’ll probably be able to manage Raynaud’s by dressing warmly in thick socks and lined boots.
For an evaluation, call Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland in Solon, Ohio at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We offer a modern office with the latest technology for podiatric patients in Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties, proudly serving our patients from Solon, Aurora, Bedford, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Macedonia, and Twinsburg.
