Get the Facts about Raynaud’s
October is Raynaud’s Awareness Month, and at Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we think many of our patients may not have even heard about this condition, or if they have, they’ve been told it’s “rare.” Perhaps that’s why the theme for this year’s awareness month is “Raynaud’s is Far From Rare.” We’d like to help patients learn more about this condition by presenting some facts below.
FACT: Raynaud’s affects between 15 and 30 million Americans—that’s 5-10% of the population.
FACT: Only 1 in 10 people suffering from this condition seek medical treatment, often chalked up to “poor circulation” or simply cold feet and hands.
FACT: Women are nine times more likely than men to suffer from Raynaud’s. Some research estimates that 20% of women in their childbearing years have this condition.
FACT: People with Raynaud’s experience spasms in the small blood vessels in their feet and hands. It causes the skin on toes and fingers to turn bluish-white and feel cold. It can be quite uncomfortable and result in tingly, stinging, prickly, or painful throbbing in the digits.
FACT: Raynaud is most often triggered by cold or stress.
FACT: An attack may last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
FACT: What causes Raynaud’s is not fully understood yet.
FACT: Raynaud’s can exist on its own, but it can also be related to a disease such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. It is known as secondary Raynaud’s.
FACT: Other conditions and factors associated with secondary Raynaud’s include: diseases of the arteries, repetitive movements of the hands or feet, and injuries. Smoking and certain other medications, including some used for chemotherapy, can also increase Raynaud’s risk.
FACT: There are treatment options for Raynaud’s. Medications, finding ways to avoid cold settings, and learning how to manage stress can all help reduce the frequency and severity of Raynaud attacks.
If you often experience cold toes and changes in skin color on your feet, contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 so our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, can examine your toes and determine if Raynaud’s is the cause.