Heated Computer Mouse - A Case for Cold Hands
The Case of the Cold Hands - Raynaud’s disease could be the culprit.
By Dr. Rob for MSN Health & Fitness
Q:I have a problem with cold hands, especially at the fingertips. This happens most often when I am nervous or exposed to cold conditions. I have no other medical problems. What do you think is wrong, and could it be a symptom of a more serious health problem? Is there a way I can improve this situation?
A: Your symptoms of cold fingertips and hands during times of stress and cold exposure suggests the benign but annoying condition of primary Raynaud’s, also called Raynaud’s disease. However, it’s possible you could have the less common and more serious version—secondary Raynaud's, or Raynaud’s phenomenon. It is called secondary because the symptoms of cold and even painful extremities are the result of other health problems. Treatment for both depends upon the severity of the symptoms and the specific form of the disease. Keep in mind, too, that cold triggers can range from just taking something out of the freezer to being exposed to chilly winter temperatures.
Primary Raynaud’s usually appears between the ages of 15 to 40, is more common in women and those who live in cold climates, and affects up to 10 percent of the population. While we don’t completely understand the process of Raynaud’s, it appears the blood vessels in the extremities overreact to stress or exposure to cold by going into spasm. This leads to decreased blood flow and loss of heat. As a result the fingers and other affected areas feel cold and become pale or blue in color. When the spasm is over, the affected areas may temporarily turn a red as the warmth returns.
Secondary Raynaud’s produces symptoms similar to primary Raynaud’s, but is triggered by smoking or a medical condition, which includes:
• Connective tissue diseases such as Scleroderma or Sjogren’s syndrome.
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
• Arterial diseases including Buerger’s and peripheral arterial disease.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Neurological disorders such as carpel tunnel syndrome and reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
• Previous fractures and vibration-induced injuries, from, for example the use of vibrating tools.
Even certain medications have the potential to trigger secondary Raynaud’s symptoms. These medications include beta blockers, estrogen-containing drugs, certain chemotherapeutic agents and the over-the-counter decongestant pseudoephedrine.
Our current approach to the treatment of Raynaud’s-type symptoms include:
• Biofeedback, which can help manage stress and decrease blood vessel spasm.
• Avoiding exposure to cold environments. If that’s not possible, then wearing gloves when cold exposure is imminent.
• Medications, such as calcium channel blockers and alpha blockers, that stimulate the blood vessels to open up.
• Regular exercise, which can improve circulation.
• Quitting smoking.
• Treatment of the underlying medical condition, if secondary Raynaud’s is diagnosed.
The diagnosis of primary vs. secondary Raynaud’s is not always straightforward, because the disease causing the Raynaud’s symptoms may not be obvious for months—or even years. This means it’s especially important to get a complete physical exam, which may include blood or circulatory testing, when you suspect Raynaud’s.
Fortunately, most people’s symptoms improve over time with lifestyle adjustments and/or medical treatments.
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