Raynaud’s disease affects the toes causing them to feel numb and discoloured. Cold temperatures cause the blood flow in the toe’s smallest arteries in the toes to become constricted or more narrow. This limits the blood flow to toes leading to temporary loss of feeling and discolouration of the skin. Raynaud’s disease is considered a primary condition because it is not connected with another disease or condition. Raynaud’s phenomenon is different from Raynaud’s disease as it is a sign of an underlying systemic disease, in particular one that affects the immune system.
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Symptoms
Toes will feel cold and at first appear pale or white. The colour of toes will progress from pale to blue to red as it cycles through the stages of reduced blood flow to improved blood flow, and warming of the tissues. With this cycle, toes will go from feeling cold and numb to tingling, burning or throbbing as the skin warms. Symptoms will resolve once the toes are warmed and they are no longer exposed to cold temperatures. If Raynaud’s is severe and blood flow is prolonged, tissue damage or death can happen.
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Causes
The cause of Raynaud’s disease is not fully understood but an attack is caused by narrowing of the tiny blood vessels responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Toes are at the tip or end of our lower extremities and are therefore more susceptible to compromised blood flow. Raynaud’s disease is more common in women and is almost always caused by exposure to cold temperatures. There are risk factors for developing Raynaud’s including genetics, climate, medication and underlying medical issues.
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Treatment
There is no cure for Raynaud’s disease therefore prevention of an attack is the key. Dressing appropriately in cold weather to lessen exposure to the cold is imperative. Try to warm up the car, house or work space before settling in and be aware of air conditioning in the warmer weather months as this cold air can also cause an attack. If Raynaud’s attacks are not easily prevented or if symptoms worse, seek the advice of a primary care professional as medication may be required to improve blood flow to the lower extremity and toes.
