Diagnosing Raynaud’s Disease on the Central Coast

If cooler weather or emotional stress tends to cause pain in your fingers or toes, you may have a rare cardiovascular condition known as Raynaud’s disease.

Whether diagnosed with primary or secondary Raynaud’s, your discomfort stems from spasms in your blood vessels. At Dignity Health Central Coast, our award-winning doctors can help you understand Raynaud’s disease, also known as Raynaud’s syndrome or Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Find a Doctor today to discuss simple lifestyle changes to relieve your discomfort from Raynaud’s disease on the Central Coast of California.

 

Pinpointing Raynaud’s Disease Causes at Dignity Health Central Coast

If you have Raynaud’s disease, you likely experience pain primarily in your fingers. You also can feel discomfort in your toes, ears, nose, lips, or nipples. 

In the parts of your body affected by Raynaud’s disease, you may notice other symptoms, such as numbness or a cold feeling. Your skin can turn white or red, throbbing or burning as blood returns to the area.

Your Dignity Health Central Coast doctor will determine if your Raynaud’s is primary or secondary. If no other medical condition caused it, your type of Raynaud’s is considered primary and will improve with time. Most people who have Raynaud’s fall into this category.

If you have another health condition, such as arthritis or lupus, you can develop secondary Raynaud’s. Other causes for secondary Raynaud’s, or Raynaud’s phenomenon, are:

  • Chemical exposure
  • Feet or hand injuries
  • Medications, especially those that constrict your arteries
  • Damage from repetitive

 

Avoiding Future Bouts of Raynaud’s Disease

While no cure exists, your doctor will discuss Raynaud’s disease treatments and prevention of recurring attacks. Simple things like relaxation, wearing gloves, and warming up your car in cold weather will go a long way to easing your pain.

Want to find out more about Raynaud’s disease? Get in touch with a Dignity Health Central Coast doctor today.

Dignity Health provides comprehensive care for a range of cardiovascular conditions, including Raynaud’s disease, throughout California’s Central Coast.