Raynaud’s disease, also known as Raynaud’s syndrome, is a circulatory disorder characterized by cold fingers and toes accompanied by color changes. It is thought to be the result of exaggerated responses by the sympathetic nervous system. It is more common in women than men, but seen in men in occupations where vibrating machinery is used on a repetitive basis, such as tree cutters and jack hammer operators. Over time, there will be at least some degree of permanent nerve damage, resulting in peripheral neuropathy.
Upon exposure to the cold or emotional stress, extremities lose circulation and turn white. Once the extremities are warmed, blood flow returns, with the skin turning blue and then bright red. An accompanying condition is hyperhidrosis, which causes spontaneous loss of temperature in the extremities, also contributing to episodes.
Sometimes Raynaud’s will exists by itself with little fluctuation over time. When it is progressive, there can be skin ulceration or gangrene. It is commonly seen secondary to autoimmune disorders like scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Paroxysmal digital cyanosis
Symptoms:
- Fingers and toes that loss temperature easily and then turn white, blue and red when warmed
- Tingling and pain in the extremities while blood flow is compromised
Signs to look for:
- Fingers and toes that loss temperature easily and then turn white, blue and red when warmed
- Tingling and pain in the extremities while blood flow is compromised
- Hyperhidrosis
- Blistering between toes
Possible Causes:
- Unknown causes
- Using vibrating machinery occupationally on a repetitive basis
Goals:
- Footwear and skin care to accommodate moisture
- Footwear and skin care to prevent bacterial or fungal side effects
- Reduce shearing and other motions in shoes that can injure feet further
- Stimulate blood circulation in the extremities
- Keep feet and hands warm
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
- If feet extremely painful, use a plastazote cushion with arch supports under it
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Smart footwear, such as heel to toe rockers, negative heel shoes or shoes with titanium springs
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Wear pumps and high heels only as long as absolutely necessary
- Go barefoot on minimal basis only
Other:
- Wear socks to keep traction in shoes
- Copper, bamboo or silver socks that wick moisture away from the skin and prevent infection
- Place cedar shoe trees in shoes after each wearing so shoes always fully dry out
- Anti-perspirant for feet and/or powder with zinc oxide nanotechnology
- Follow blister prevention protocol for weight bearing exercising
- Compression hosiery products
Activities:
- Keep extremities warm as necessary
- Rotate weight bearing exercise, such as walking, with non-weight bearing exercise, such as swimming or bicycling
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Text: A. Decker, S. Albert, Contemporary Pedorthics, niams.nih.gov