Raynaud’s disease is a circulatory condition that causes the hands and feet to be sensitive to cold. The premise behind the condition is that when the small arteries in the hand and feet are exposed to cold, they spasm and vasoconstrict limiting the blood flow to these structures. This deprives the hands and feet of nutrients and adequate amounts of oxygen. Raynaud’s phenomenon is similar to the syndrome, except that is has a range of causes.
Causes of Raynaud’s phenomenon: surgery complication, injury, frostbite, autoimmune diseases, drugs (e.g. calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers) and arthritis
Symptoms: whitish or bluish tinged hands and feet, ulcers (possibly chronic infection), gangrene.
Who to consult: Dietician, GP, herbalist, homoeopath, naturopath, occupational therapist, pharmacist.
