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Raynaud's Phenomenon Treatment

Raynaud's phenomenon is a medical condition affiliated with Raynaud's disease. The two conditions are different because Raynaud's disease is the actual medical condition and Raynaud's phenomenon is symptoms secondary to having another disease first.

This condition is a vascular disease that affects mostly the fingers and toes causing tingling, numbness and discoloring of the skin. Doctors treat individuals with Raynaud's phenomenon in various ways including diet changes and medication.

  1. Avoid Cold Temperature

    • Cold air is the main trigger that causes sufferers of Raynaud's phenomenon to have attacks because it causes slowing of the blood flow to the affected areas. Doctors advise patients to avoid cold temperatures and wear warm clothes especially thick insulated gloves if going outside during cold weather. People who are extremely sensitive to cold air would need to wear an extra layer of clothes even when indoors. Doctors warn against wearing tight fitting clothes or jewelry as these may restrict circulation to the fingertips and legs.

    Stress Reduction

    • For mild cases of Raynaud's phenomenon, doctors suggest relaxation techniques such as biofeedback, yoga and self-relaxation exercises to reduce stress. Biofeedback is when a person mentally instructs himself how to respond a certain way to factors such as temperature. Doctors advocate these exercises since stress causes the vessels to constrict, which in turn can cause flare-ups of Raynaud's.

    Diet and Exercise

    • It is important to keep good nutritional habits and eat foods high in magnesium and healthy fatty acids. These two nutrients may help to improve circulation and keep blood vessels healthy. Doctors also advise individuals to refrain from smoking and decrease caffeine and alcohol intake.

      Exercise also helps with circulation and is another way of treating Raynaud's phenomenon. This can improve oxygen levels, cardiovascular condition and overall physical fitness, which may assist the person's primary medical condition.

    Other Treatment

    • Most of the time, patients with Raynaud's phenomenon will not need to take medication. Occasionally, Raynaud's phenomenon progresses to a level where other treatments are not helping. Doctors prescribe medications such as calcium channel blockers and statins along with other medications normally taken for high blood pressure. Some individuals apply nitroglycerin cream directly to the affected body part.

      If all conservative treatments have failed, doctors may recommend surgical intervention for treatment if the condition becomes severe and hazardous to someone's health. Doctors can use choose to use laser therapy or perform a sympathectomy, a procedure that involves cutting the blood vessels to release the blood. As a last resort and only in rare cases where gangrene has set in, doctors may have to amputate the area.

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