Treatment For Cold Hands And Feet
By Tresa Erickson

Do your hands and feet turn white or blue whenever you go out in cold weather? Do they turn red and tingle or throb when warmed? Think it's just a sign of old age? Perhaps. More than likely, though, you are suffering from Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition resulting from poor circulation in the extremities.

Approximately 5% to 10% of the people in the United States suffer from Raynaud's phenomenon. More women than menthree times more to be exact-have Raynaud's phenomenon. The condition is characterized by small attacks called vasospasms. During an attack, the blood vessels under the skin tighten and the blood flow slows. Because they have fewer large blood vessels, extremities like the hands, feet, ears and the nose suffer the most and begin to turn blue due to the decreased blood flow and lack of oxygen. Vasospasms can occur at any time, but are most common during cold weather or times of stress. An attack can last anywhere from several minutes to hours.

Raynaud's phenomenon occurs in two forms: primary and secondary. The primary form is mild. The attacks generally stop when the weather gets warmer or the stress is relieved, and leave no permanent damage. The secondary form, on the other hand, is fairly serious and is usually accompanied by an underlying disease, like scleroderma, dermatomyositis or polymyositis. In some cases, ulcers form on the affected areas and the skin and muscles may become weak and the joints may stiffen. Gangrene may also occur. Fortunately, less than 10% of those who are diagnosed with the primary form will develop the secondary form.

The cause of Raynaud's phenomenon is unknown. Currently there is no cure for the condition, but there are treatments to manage it. Depending upon the frequency and severity of attacks, a physician may prescribe medication that will help relax the walls of the blood vessels. They may also prescribe other preventative measures, such as:

 Dressing warmly. A hat, scarf, gloves and heavy socks and boots are a must in the winter. Wearing a light jacket or sweater during the summer may help combat the effects of aid conditioning.  Controlling stress. Stress relaxation techniques are another must. Biofeedback training, a technique for bringing the temperature of the fingers under voluntary control, can be extremely helpful.

 Exercising regularly. Regular exercise helps keep the body, in particular the blood vessels, in good condition. It also enhances wellbeing, increases energy and helps control weight.

 Quitting smoking. Not only does smoking cause the blood vessels to shrink, but it also causes the temperature of the skin to drop. Anyone who smokes and is diagnosed with Raynaud's phenomenon should stop smoking.

If you suspect you have Raynaud's phenomenon, you should make an appointment with your physician. They will examine you and order tests to measure your blood flow. Should you be diagnosed with the disease, your physician will make a treatment plan for you and educate you on how to deal with an attack and prevent future attacks.

Don't put off seeing your physician another day! Raynaud's phenomenon is serious and warrants treatment, especially when accompanied by another disease.