Raynaud’s

Raynaud’s is a common condition that it is thought affects 10 million people in the UK.

Raynaud’s affects your blood circulation.

When you are cold, anxious or stressed, your fingers and toes may change colour causing pain, numbness and difficulty in moving the affected area.

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symptoms of Raynaud’s

The symptoms of Raynaud’s may last from a few minutes to a few hours. It can feel like you suddenly have no circulation in your fingers and or toes. It may start with one finger turning white (or blue) or might affect all your fingers on one hand or on both hands at the same time.

What Causes Raynaud’s

An attack can come on without warning but generally starts when your body experiences even a small change in temperature which causes the small blood vessels in your fingers and toes to be over-sensitive. It can be triggered by simply walking down the chilled or frozen isle in a supermarket or can start while holding the steering wheel of a car even when the heating is on.

 

Managing Raynaud’s

The best way to manage Raynauld’s is to keep warm.

Do all you can to avoid cold environments, touching cold items or spending time in areas where temperatures fluctuate. Even a slight change in temperature can cause an attack.

    • Wear lots of thin layers and loose clothing in order to remain as warm as possible.
    • Use hand warmers, gloves and thick socks to keep cold fingers and toes comfortable on chilly days.
    • There are some more products to help keep warm in our online shop such as thermal shoe insoles and fleece blanket.

 

Treatments for Raynauld’s

Although there is no cure for Raynaud’s, it can be treated. Complimentary therapies can bring relief from symptoms for some & some Raynaud’s sufferers have found acupuncture alleviates symptoms.

 

WHat Can your GP Do?

One drug, Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, is licensed for Raynaud’s, and there are drugs that are prescribed commonly for Raynaud’s too. Nifedipine doesn’t cure Raynaud’s, but can help to relieve symptoms.

Further Information

For more information about Raynaud’s please visit the www.sruk.co.uk