Treatment FAQ

what is raynaud's syndrome treatment

by Brendon Greenholt Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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To widen blood vessels and increase blood flow, your doctor might prescribe: Calcium channel blockers. These drugs relax and open small blood vessels in your hands and feet, reducing the severity and number of attacks in most people with Raynaud's. These drugs can also help heal skin ulcers on your fingers or toes.Nov 6, 2020

Medication

Nov 22, 2021 · To date, there is no medication that eliminates Raynaud’s attacks, but there are some medications that decrease their severity or frequency. The standard medication offered severe Raynaud’s sufferers is in the family of calcium channel blockers. These drugs work to open or dilate the blood vessels so the blood circulates more freely.

Procedures

Treatment of Raynaud’s Phenomenon Medications. While there are no medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Raynaud’s phenomenon,... Surgery. If you have severe Raynaud’s phenomenon, your doctor may recommend a procedure called a sympathectomy to...

Self-care

Conditions such as certain thyroid disorders, clotting disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome have also been linked to the secondary form. Medications. Medications used to treat high blood pressure, migraines, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may cause symptoms similar to Raynaud’s phenomenon or make underlying Raynaud’s phenomenon worse.

Nutrition

How is Raynaud's phenomenon treated? Treatment will depend on your symptoms, your age, and your general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. There is no cure for Raynaud’s phenomenon, but it can be managed with proper treatment. Treatment may include: Avoiding exposure to cold Keeping warm with gloves, socks, scarf, and a hat

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Nov 17, 2021 · Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are the first-line medication for the treatment of Raynaud’s disease. These medications, such as amlodipine and nifedipine, work by relaxing blood vessel muscles. Your doctor may try other blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor inhibitors (losartan), or alpha-blockers (prazosin).

How to cure Raynaud's disease naturally?

How is Raynaud’s treated? The goals of treatment are to reduce the severity of attacks and to prevent tissue damage and loss in the fingers and toes. Doctors may prescribe medications for some patients - usually those with Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon; however, doctors most often prescribe non-drug treatments.

Are there any natural treatment for Raynaud's disease?

Dec 30, 2019 · When the above drugs aren’t enough, what are the treatment options for severe Raynaud’s sufferers? The article lists the following: Sympathetic Nerve Block Injections Botox ® Injections (still experimental and not clinically proven) Surgical Sympathectomies Spinal Cord Stimulation (a new one we haven’t heard before)

What is Raynaud's disease and how is it treated?

Feb 27, 2022 · Nutritional Supplements Some older research had suggested that taking essential fatty acid supplements may be mildly effective in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon. 4  And vitamin B3 (also known as niacin) was also thought to benefit people with Raynaud's since the nutrient causes blood vessels to dilate and stimulates circulation to the skin.

Is Raynaud syndrome dangerous or deadly?

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What is the best treatment for Raynaud's?

Many health care professionals believe that the most effective and safest drugs are calcium- channel blockers, which relax smooth muscles and dilate the small blood vessels. These drugs decrease the frequency and severity of attacks in about two-thirds of patients who have Primary or Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.Aug 14, 2019

How Serious Is Raynaud's disease?

Symptoms of Raynaud's can last from a few minutes to several hours. It's not a serious threat to your health, but can be annoying to live with, because it can be difficult to use your fingers. People with Raynaud's often go for long periods without any symptoms, and sometimes the condition goes away altogether.Nov 23, 2021

What is the difference between Raynaud's disease and Raynaud's syndrome?

Primary Raynaud's(or Raynaud's disease) happens without any other illness behind it. The symptoms are often mild. Secondary Raynaud's (Raynaud's syndrome, Raynaud's phenomenon) results from another illness. It's often a condition that attacks your body's connective tissues, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.Aug 23, 2021

How do you get rid of Raynaud's?

Things you can do to help Raynaud'skeep your home warm.wear warm clothes during cold weather, especially on your hands and feet.exercise regularly – this helps improve circulation.try breathing exercises or yoga to help you relax.eat a healthy, balanced diet.

What vitamins are good for Raynaud's?

These supplements may help:Omega-3 fatty acids , found in fish oil, may reduce symptoms in people with primary Raynaud's, according to one study. ... Evening primrose oil (EPO) . ... Inositol hexaniacinate , a form of vitamin B3 or niacin, may reduce frequency of Raynaud's attacks. ... Magnesium opens up blood vessels.Jun 2, 2016

Does Raynaud's get worse with age?

It is a progressive condition, meaning it tends to worsen as a person gets older. Initially it may only affect the tips of the fingers or toes, but over time may affect whole fingers and toes.

What is the life expectancy of someone with Raynaud's disease?

Under the broad definition, the median survival time was 11.0 years (95% CI: 10.0–12.1 years) for white subjects without RP, compared to 8.1 years (95% CI: 6.0–11.8 years) for white subjects with RP.Feb 3, 2015

Can Raynaud's affect the heart?

There's no known link between Raynaud's and heart disease. However, anyone who already suffers from Raynaud's and is then diagnosed with heart disease should make sure that their doctor is aware of it.

What deficiency causes Raynaud's?

Abnormalities of magnesium metabolism have been reported in people with Raynaud's disease. Symptoms similar to those seen with Raynaud's disease occur in people with magnesium deficiency, probably because a deficiency of this mineral results in spasm of blood vessels.

What medications make raynauds worse?

What medications make Raynauds worse? Patients with Raynaud's should avoid medications that constrict blood vessels, including migraine medications (ergotamine and triptans), over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, diet aids, beta-blockers, and birth control pills.Nov 17, 2021

What is the main cause of Raynaud's disease?

Exposure to cold, such as putting your hands in cold water, taking something from a freezer or being in cold air, is the most likely trigger. For some people, emotional stress can trigger an episode.Nov 6, 2020

What foods help Raynaud's disease?

Some food supplements have helped Raynaud's sufferers, including evening primrose oil, gingko biloba and fish oils. Certain foods are also believed to help, like ginger, garlic and spicy food. Eating protein can help the body to heal quicker with recovering from surgery or suffering from digital ulcers.Mar 31, 2021

What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a disease that affects your blood vessels. There are two forms of Raynaud’s phenomenon: Primary and secondary. The form of Raynaud’s phenomenon you have affects the symptoms you have. Symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon can vary from mild to severe. Most people have mild symptoms.

How long does a Raynaud's attack last?

An attack usually lasts a few minutes. In some people, it may last more than an hour. The symptoms of the primary form of Raynaud’s phenomenon usually begin between the ages of 15 and 25. The symptoms of the secondary form of Raynaud’s phenomenon usually start after the ages of 35 to 40.

When does Raynaud's disease start?

The primary form of Raynaud’s often starts between the ages of 15 and 25. It is most common in: Women. People living in cold places. The secondary form of Raynaud’s phenomenon usually starts after the ages of 35 to 40.

What does it mean when your hands and feet are cold?

If you have Raynaud’s phenomenon, you have periods of time called “attacks” when your body does not send enough blood to the hands and feet. Attacks usually happen when you are cold or feeling stressed. During an attack, your fingers and toes may feel very cold or numb.

How does Raynaud's phenomenon affect blood vessels?

In people with Raynaud’s phenomenon, blood vessels in the hands and feet appear to overreact to cold temperatures or stress. They narrow and limit blood supply.

What causes dryness in the mouth and eyes?

Sjögren’s syndrome, which causes dryness in the mouth and eyes. Other health conditions can also cause the secondary form of Raynaud’s phenomenon: Carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects nerves in the wrists. Blood vessel disease, which causes the blood vessels in the legs, arms, and belly to narrow. Certain medicines can cause the secondary form ...

What is the difference between primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon?

Primary Raynaud's phenomenon occurs for an unknown reason. It is the more common form of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon is caused by another health condition. Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon is less common but more serious than the primary form of the disease.

How to treat Raynaud's disease?

There is no cure for Raynaud’s phenomenon, but it can be managed with proper treatment. Treatment may include: Avoiding exposure to cold. Keeping warm with gloves, socks, scarf, and a hat.

How old do you have to be to get Raynaud's?

Your healthcare provider may also look at the tiny blood vessels in your fingernails with a microscope. Adults who start to have Raynaud’s phenomenon after age 35 may be tested for an underlying disease. You may have blood tests to see if your condition is primary or secondary.

Why does Raynaud's phenomenon occur?

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a problem that causes decreased blood flow to the fingers. In some cases, it also causes less blood flow to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose. This happens due to spasms of blood vessels in those areas. The spasms happen in response to cold, stress, or emotional upset. Raynaud’s can occur on its own, known as primary ...

What causes a decrease in blood flow to the fingers?

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a disorder that causes decreased blood flow to the fingers. In some cases, it also causes less blood flow to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose. Spasms of blood vessels happen in response to cold, stress, or emotional upset.

What is the most common form of Raynaud's disease?

The diseases most often linked with Raynaud’s are autoimmune or connective tissue diseases such as: Occlusive vascular disease, such as atherosclerosis. The primary form of Raynaud’s is the most common type. It often begins between ages 15 and 25. It’s less severe than secondary Raynaud’s.

What does it mean when your hands are red?

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each person. Common symptoms include: Fingers that turn pale or white then blue when exposed to cold, or during stress or emotional upset, then red when the hands are warmed. Hands that may become swollen and painful when warmed. Sores on the finger pads develop, in severe cases.

Can Raynaud's cause scleroderma?

Avoiding triggers, primarily cold, can reduce the spasms that lead to symptoms. If there is an underlying cause, such as scleroderma or lupus, it may be more difficult to manage attacks.

Why do my fingers feel numb?

The small arteries, called arterioles, in the fingers and toes are narrow to begin with, so there’s not much room left when they constrict. Blood flow through the arterioles becomes blocked (ischemia), causing the fingers or toes to get white, numb, and feel like they’re being stuck with pins and needles.

What happens when you forget your gloves?

Everyone knows what happens when we forget our gloves in freezing cold weather. Our fingers quickly get cold, white, and numb. This is normal—the body closes off the blood flow to the extremities to conserve heat. Suppose, however, it happens when reaching into a freezer or walking into an air-conditioned room.

How many people have a syphilis?

About one in twenty Americans have the condition, but the incidence may be as high as one in five among women. For many, the condition is little more than a nuisance. For others, however, it can substantially interfere with daily life and even represent a health threat.

Is Raynaud's a scleroderma?

Most commonly, Raynaud’s is the first manifestation of systemic scleroderma, a connective tissue disease similar to rheumatism. But Raynaud’s can be caused by a wide variety of various conditions and diseases. Raynaud’s, then, is less a diagnosis than a mystery to be solved.

Why do my fingers turn red?

When the fingers are warmed up, the blood flows back, turning the fingers bright red. These effects are also the symptoms of Raynaud’s, except, rather than being provoked by extreme cold, this cold response can be triggered by an air-conditioned room or picking up an iced tea. Cold isn’t even necessary.

What is secondary raynauds?

Secondary Raynaud’s is a manifestation of other medical conditions, and this is where the story gets more complex. Secondary Raynaud’s is typically more serious. Attacks are more frequent, more severe, longer-lasting, and could cause sores, scars, and other tissue damage such as gangrene.

How long does a Raynaud's attack last?

Raynaud’s attacks typically hold on longer than they do with normal cold responses. The white or blue phase of a Raynaud’s attack typically lasts for 20 minutes. In more severe cases, attacks can last for hours after the triggering event.

What is the best treatment for Raynaud's disease?

Other medications that have helped patients with Raynaud’s include alpha-blockers, which counteract norepinephrine, a hormone that constricts blood vessels, and vasodilators (drugs that relax the blood vessels), such as nitroglycerine paste, which is applied to the fingers, to help heal skin ulcers. It is important to note that treatment ...

What causes Raynaud's syndrome?

Other possible causes of secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon include: Traumatic vasospasm from vibrating tools or repeated pounding with the palm of the hand (hyothenar hammer syndrome) Carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

What is Raynaud’s phenomenon? Raynaud’s phenomenon (also called Raynaud’s disease or Raynaud’s syndrome) is a disorder that affects the blood vessels in the fingers and toes. Blood vessels in the nose, lips or ear lobes may also be affected.

How does Raynaud's disease affect the fingers?

Some of these diseases reduce blood flow to the fingers and toes by causing the blood vessel walls to thicken and the vessels to constrict too easily . Raynaud’s phenomenon occurs in about 85 to 95 percent of patients with scleroderma and is present in about one-third of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).

What is the most common type of Raynaud's disease?

Also known as Raynaud’s disease, primary Raynaud’s phenomenon is the most common and the milder of the two types. A person who has primary Raynaud’s has no other diseases or associated medical problems that may cause Raynaud’s symptoms. About 75 percent of all cases of primary Raynaud’ s phenomenon are diagnosed in women between ages 15 and 40.

How do you know if you have cyanosis?

Other symptoms that occur during cyanosis are feeling cold and numbness. Rubor (redness) occurs as the blood returns to the affected areas. After an attack is over, throbbing and tingling may occur in the fingers and toes. Attacks of Raynaud's Phenomenon can last from less than a minute to several hours.

What is secondary Raynaud's?

Secondary Raynaud’s Phenomenon. Less common than the primary form, however, secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon is often a more serious disorder. Secondary Raynaud’s is caused by an underlying disease or condition. It is especially common in people with connective tissue diseases. Some of these diseases reduce blood flow to the fingers ...

What supplements can help with Raynaud's?

Some older research had suggested that taking essential fatty acid supplements may be mildly effective in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon. 4  And vitamin B3 (also known as niacin) was also thought to benefit people with Raynaud's since the nutrient causes blood vessels to dilate and stimulates circulation to the skin.

Why does Raynaud's disease turn white?

Raynaud's Symptoms. Although symptoms vary from person to person, Raynaud's typically causes the affected body parts to turn white, then blue, in response to stress or exposure to cold. An attack can last a few minutes to more than an hour.

What is biofeedback training?

In biofeedback training, people learn how to consciously influence the body's vital functions (including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure) with the help of relaxation techniques and information feedback delivered by specialized electronic devices.

How effective is nifedipine?

After treatment for eight weeks, nifedipine was found to be more effective at reducing the number of attacks , with improvement in those taking nifedipine at 50.1%, compared to 31.0% in those taking ginkgo.

Who is Cathy Wong?

Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Rochelle Collins, DO, is a board-certified family medicine doctor currently practicing in Bloomfield, Connecticut.

Does biofeedback help with Raynaud's disease?

Although some practitioners encourage using biofeedback to help control body temperature and lessen the severity and frequency of Raynaud's attacks, a research review published in 2009 concluded that biofeedback does not work for Raynaud's disease. 3 .

Is Verywell Health peer reviewed?

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles . Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institutes of Health. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

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Diagnosis

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Alternative Medicine

Preparing For Your Appointment

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment aims at reducing the severity and duration of attacks, and treat the underlying cause. Warm clothing is effective in preventing mild symptoms.
Medication

Calcium channel blockers: These widen little veins in hands and feet, diminishing the recurrence and seriousness of attacks.

Nifedipine . Amlodipine


Alpha blockers: Balance the activities of norepinephrine, a hormone that contracts veins.

Prazosin . Doxazosin


Vasodilators: Relax the blood vessels.

Nitroglycerin


Sedatives/neurotoxin: Injections to block sympathetic nerves in the affected hands or feet.

Onabotulinum toxin A

Procedures

Nerve surgery: Sympathetic nerves are removed to reduce the unintended response.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

Keep body warm. Protect limb ends from direct cold surfaces.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Vitamin B rich foods
  • Omega 3 fatty acids e.g. Fish oil
  • Calcium and magnesium rich foods
  • Vitamin E rich foods

Foods to avoid:

  • NA

Specialist to consult

Rheumatologist
Specializes in the treatment of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, pain disorders affecting joints, and osteoporosis.
Dermatologist
Specializes in the study of the skin and its disorders.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

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