Many people are familiar with the feeling when their hands or toes suddenly become cold and/or numb. If this happens frequently, a visit to the doctor is advisable, as it may be a condition known as Raynaud's syndrome. In medical terms, this is a vascular disease caused by spasms in the blood vessels.
Here you will find further information and selected doctors for the treatment of Raynaud's syndrome.
In Raynaud's syndrome, the fingers or toes suddenly become cold or numb. The fingers are more frequently affected.
Disorders in the small blood vessels reduce the blood supply to the limbs. In addition to numbness and coldness, the affected limbs may also show
can occur. This is one of the reasons why Raynaud's syndrome is also referred to as a disease with the so-called "tricolor phenomenon" . Tricolor means three-colored.
There are two different forms of this symptom:
In primary Raynaud's syndrome, the cause cannot be definitively determined. Younger women are particularly affected. Statistically, women are five times more likely to suffer from this condition than men. Women between the ages of 20 and 40 are particularly often affected.
Secondary Raynaud's syndrome is a consequence of other diseases. For example, it can occur with
can lead to this condition.
In Raynaud's syndrome, fingers or toes suddenly appear bloodless © Creative Cat Studio | AdobeStock
With this condition, the fingers or toes suddenly turn pale and appear bloodless. There may also be bluish discoloration and pain. Numbness and other sensations are also possible.
In the primary variant, these attacks last for around 30 minutes. However, they can also last longer. When the attacks subside, the skin may become red.
If it is a primary Raynaud's syndrome, the symptoms usually occur on both hands and feet. In the secondary variant, however, often only one side is affected.
In principle, there is a risk that these seizures can persist over a longer period of time. In these cases, there is a risk of further damage, especially skin damage. However, these effects are more likely to occur in the secondary form.
In this case, further symptoms such as swelling of the skin or altered blood vessels may also occur.
Summary of common symptoms:
The doctor can already get an initial indication from the patient's description. For example, he will ask when the discomfort occurs or how long it lasts. The suspicion can also be confirmed by a number of tests.
The fist closure test, which can provide an indication of the blood flow, is an effective tool here. In addition, a targeted examination of the arteries can be carried out, as well as an attempt to induce the symptoms with sudden cold.
If the attending physician suspects secondary Raynaud's syndrome, the examinations will be more extensive. For example, blood tests can provide an indication of one or other underlying disease. A detailed inspection of the fingernails is also indicated, as typical marks may be visible in the nail fold.
As it is a spontaneous constriction of the blood vessels, cold plays a major role in its development. However, there is another risk factor that is not unique to this condition: stress.
The bottom line is that the exact reasons for the primary variant have not yet been conclusively researched. However, smoking and hormonal imbalances are also considered to be risk factors.
Secondary Raynaud's syndrome can be triggered by various underlying diseases. For example, vascular diseases can play a role here, such as rheumatism, or nerve disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
But it can also be caused by cancer. The same applies to carpal tunnel syndrome, in which nerves in the wrist area become trapped. Various autoimmune diseases can also promote Raynaud's syndrome.
Primary Raynaud's syndrome basically requires no special treatment. Symptomatic therapy is usually sufficient, which means that the symptoms are treated without any special medical interventions, measures or medication. If limbs are cold, soaking them in warm water can help. Cold fingers can also be warmed in the armpit.
Stress can also be the cause of Raynaud's syndrome. Consistent stress reduction is therefore recommended. Special programs, such as targeted muscle relaxation, can be used as an aid. Massages and moving the limbs are also tried and tested methods, as they stimulate blood circulation.
In order to treat secondary Raynaud's syndrome, it is first necessary to identify the underlying disease. Once the doctor has diagnosed it, targeted therapy can be carried out.
Medication that promotes blood circulation can also be administered. If wounds have already occurred due to tissue death, these are treated.
Operations in which certain nerves are blocked are particularly indicated for more severe courses of the disease.
Possible treatment methods at a glance:
Primary Raynaud's syndrome is not dangerous and the spasmodic attacks decrease with age. Quality of life is not significantly impaired.
The course of secondary Raynaud's syndrome is somewhat more complicated. In this case, the underlying disease must first be treated and any damage repaired. In extreme cases, amputations may be necessary due to the tissue damage, but these are relatively rare.
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