Raynaud’s Disease
Raynaud’s Disease is also called Primary Raynaud’s Phenomenon. It’s a condition that can affect the toes and feet, as well as other parts of the body, leaving them cold and numb. The toes or one toe will also change color from normal color to white, blue or red, and there could be pain in them at times, as well. When this happens, it’s called an attack. The attacks last up to several hours. The condition is more likely to occur in women and those who live in cold climates. Cause Experts are still trying to determine why this condition exists, but now believe that it is the result of a vasospasm, which is a spasm of the blood vessels. No one knows why the spasms occur in the body, although it is known that stress can precipitate an attack. When exposed to cold temperatures, the response of the body is to draw blood from the circulation in the toes and fingers in towards the center of the body to keep the core warm. Raynaud’s disease can also appear when the person has other diseases such as scleroderma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid diseases, heart disease, and carpal tunnel syndromes. However, in these cases, it’s not called Raynaud’s disease but rather secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon. Use of medications for high blood pressure or beta blockers can also cause the vasospasms to occur. A smoking habit is another way to cause spasms in the arteries. In both these conditions, Raynaud’s is considered secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon. Another cause is from exposure to vinyl chloride. (secondary Raynaud’s Phenomenon) Treatment and Prevention Lifestyle changes such as increasing blood circulation via regular exercise is a good way to start self-treatment. Other habits that need to be addressed include: • alcohol use • caffeine habit • smoking To prevent future attacks, consider eliminating the above-mentioned habits, move to a warm climate, get regular foot massages, and check to make sure that your shoes aren’t constricting blood flow, too. Medications may be prescribed to increase the circulation in the body, but all medications do have the risk of causing side effects. Medical treatments such as surgery are only a temporary solution. In these surgeries, nerve blocks are used. However, the condition returns after a few years. Natural healing professionals also have herbs that are used to increase circulation in the body, without side effects. Those who have diabetes and Raynaud’s Disease should monitor themselves daily for any signs of gangrene. Consider our ProThotics Comfort Gel Insole for cushioned foot support.