Living with Raynaud’s, triggers and treatments

Think of Scotland in the winter and you probably automatically think of cold hands and toes. And whilst a good pair of gloves and some cosy socks is usually enough in the battle against the elements, for sufferers of Raynaud’s, cold fingers and toes can be a painful problem all year round.

If you think you could be one of the estimated 10 million people in the UK living with Raynaud’s, read on as the medical experts at YourGP discuss the triggers and treatments for this common complaint.

What is Raynaud’s?

Raynaud’s is a condition that affects blood circulation. When the sufferer gets cold, blood vessels restrict much more than they should, leading to spasms that temporarily cut off blood flow. This can make the skin turn white or blue, and it is often accompanied by numbness, pins and needles or pain. These symptoms can last anything from a few minutes to a few hours.

The most common areas to be affected are the fingers and toes, however some people also find their ears, nose, lips or nipples are affected too. And it’s not just the cold that cause issues, another common trigger is stress and anxiety.

What causes Raynaud’s?

Primary Raynaud’s, when there is no known underlying health problem, may be the result of genetics.

Secondary Raynaud’s, on the other hand, is when the Raynaud’s is caused by another medical condition such as an autoimmune disease. It could be related to taking certain medications, smoking, alcohol or caffeine, or through the repetitive trauma of working with vibrating tools for a long time.

Treating Raynaud’s

Whilst there is no cure for Raynaud’s, the condition can be managed with a series of lifestyle changes:

• Keep warm: Keep your home at a constant, warm temperature and wrap up if you’re venturing outside when it’s cold.
• Exercise: Stick to a regular exercise routine to help improve your blood circulation.
• Eat well: Aim for a healthy, balanced diet.
• Cut down or cut out caffeine and alcohol: Remember, caffeine is not only found in coffee, but in tea, some carbonated drinks and chocolate.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can have a big effect on your circulation, so stub it out.
• Manage your stress levels: Set aside a little time every day to stop and breathe deeply. Mindfulness, meditation and yoga can help to bring down stress levels, as can a little self-care such as relaxing in a bath, listening to music or reading.

Speak to the experts

If the pain of Raynaud’s is impacting your life, or you think your symptoms are getting worse, make an appointment with YourGP immediately. We may be able to prescribe medication such as nifedipine to improve your circulation. We can also arrange any necessary tests if we suspect your Raynaud’s could be linked to another condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

To book your appointment, use our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.