Raynaud’s disease, also known as ‘Raynaud’s phenomenon’, is a very common condition that affects approximately 20% of the adult population. It affects the blood supply to certain parts of the body. Usually, the fingers and toes are affected, but less commonly the ears, nose, nipples and lips. As the blood supply reduces, those affected will often feel a reasonable level of discomfort and the areas impacted may change colour between a white, blue and red. A stinging or tingling sensation usually accompanies this.
There are two types of Raynaud’s Disease:
Type 1: Primary Raynaud’s:
This is the most common form and isn’t the result of any associated medical conditions.
Type 2: Secondary Raynaud’s:
This is the less common type but tends to be more serious. It’s usually caused by an underlying problem. Since secondary Raynaud’s is usually connected to an underlying health issue, it can develop at any age.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Affected areas change colour – white>blue>red
- Numbness / Pain
- Cold Fingers & Toes
Less Common Symptoms of Raynaud’s Disease (associated with type 2):
- Ulcers/Sores on the Fingers or Toes
- Skin Rashes
- Joint Pain/Arthritis
- Mouth Ulcers
What Causes Raynaud’s Disease?
Raynaud’s disease is most commonly triggered by low temperatures or stressful situations. The sensation arises when the blood vessels go into a spasm, and in turn, blocks the flow of blood to the affected area. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours and will vary on a person to person basis, with some people more harshly affected than others. Usually, Reynaud’s disease isn’t a serious danger to your wellbeing, but it can still be very unpleasant to deal with on a daily basis.
Treatment Options:
Medications: Most drugs prescribed for Raynaud’s Disease work by increasing the size and width of your blood vessels, which in turn allows more blood through. The main issue with this type of medication is that they act on all blood vessels, not just those in the affected areas. They can cause side effects such as dizziness and headaches.
Keep Warm: Raynaud’s disease is often worsened by cold temperatures, it’s good practice to keep those affected areas warm. Gloves are a must if your hands are the main problem.
Exercise: Regular exercise, especially of the cardio variety, will often improve your circulation and in many cases, it has been reported to help minimise the severity of symptoms.
Magnopulse magnetic therapy: The Magnopulse arm wrap is a powerful therapeutic device that is designed to work in harmony with your body. Benefits include improved circulation throughout the body and a calming of the nerve signals. The arm wrap provides pain relief from the elbow, arm and wrist.
As Raynaud’s Disease is sometimes triggered by anxiety and always results in restricted circulation, the Magnopulse arm wrap can often be the ideal non-pharmacological product for easing and hopefully eliminating any further issues caused by Raynaud’s!