Colorado Springs Raynaud’s Phenomenon Care
Get the highest level of Colorado Springs Raynaud’s Phenomenon care from board-certified vascular surgeons at Memorial Vein
Here’s what you should know about getting board-certified Colorado Springs Raynaud’s Phenomenon care at Memorial Vein Center:
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Raynaud’s phenomenon or, simply, Raynaud’s, is a disorder characterized by decreased blood flow – usually to the fingers, and less frequently to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose. Vascular spasms usually occur as attacks in response to cold exposure, stress, or emotional upset.
Raynaud’s can occur alone (primary form) or may occur with other diseases (secondary form). The diseases most frequently associated with Raynaud’s are autoimmune or connective tissue diseases, among others, such as the following:
- systemic lupus erythematous (lupus)
- scleroderma
- CREST syndrome (calcium skin deposits, Raynaud’s phenomenon,esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasis)
- Buerger’s disease
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- rheumatoid arthritis
- occlusive vascular disease
- polymyositis
- cryoglobulinemia
What causes Raynaud’s phenomenon?
Colorado Springs Raynaud’s Phenomenon causes: The exact cause of Raynaud’s is unknown. One theory links blood disorders characterized by increased platelets or red blood cells that may increase the blood thickness. Another theory involves the special receptors in the blood that control the constriction of the blood vessels being more sensitive in individuals with Raynaud’s.
What is a risk factor? A risk factor is anything that may increase a person’s chance of developing a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases have different risk factors. Although these factors can increase a person’s risk, they do not necessarily cause the disease. Some people with one or more risk factors never develop a disease, while others develop the disease and have no known risk factors. But, knowing your risk factors to any disease can help to guide you into the appropriate actions, including changing behaviors and being clinically monitored for the disease.
What are the risk factors for Raynaud’s phenomenon?
Colorado Springs Raynaud’s Phenomenon risk factors: There are certain diseases or lifestyle choices that can increase a person’s risk for developing Raynaud’s. These risk factors include the following:
- existing connective tissue or autoimmune disease
- cigarette smoking (in men)
- alcohol use (in women)
What are the symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon?
Colorado Springs Raynaud’s Phenomenon symptoms: The following are the most common symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- a pattern of color changes in the fingers as follows: pale/white followed by blue then red when the hands are warmed; color changes are usually preceded by exposure to cold or emotional upset
- hands may become swollen and painful when warmed
- ulcerations of the finger pads develop (in severe cases)
- gangrene may develop in the fingers leading to amputation (in about 10 percent of the severe cases)
How is Raynaud’s phenomenon diagnosed?
Colorado Springs Raynaud’s Phenomenon diagnosis: There are no specific laboratory tests that can confirm a diagnosis of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Instead, diagnosis is usually based on reported symptoms. Your physician may perform a cold challenge test to bring out color changes in the hands.
Tests to determine which form-primary or secondary-of Raynaud’s phenomenon a patient may have include a medical exam, blood tests, a complete medical history, and examination of fingernail tissue with a microscope.
Treatment for Raynaud’s phenomenon:
Colorado Springs Raynaud’s Phenomenon treatment: Specific treatment for Raynaud’s phenomenon will be determined by your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your signs and symptoms
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies
- expectation for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Although there is no cure for Raynaud’s phenomenon, the disorder can often be successfully managed with proper treatment. Treatment may include:
- preventative measures such as wearing gloves or avoiding cold exposure
- smoking cessation
- wearing finger guards over ulcerated fingers
- avoiding trauma or vibration to the hand (such as vibrating tools)
- medications that are usually used to treat high blood pressure (antihypertensive medications) may be given during the winter months (to help reduce constriction of the blood vessels)
Individuals who first experience Raynaud’s phenomenon after 35 to 40 years of age may be tested for an underlying disease. The primary form of Raynaud’s is the most common type, and usually begins between 15 and 25 years of age. It is less severe, and few people with this form develop another related condition.
Colorado Springs Raynaud’s Phenomenon Care at Memorial Vein
Memorial Vein Center is the vascular surgery clinic for Memorial Health System in Colorado Springs, Colorado. At Memorial Vein, we evaluate and treat all conditions affecting the vascular system (arteries and veins). Our team consists of vascular surgeons who are board-certified to specifically treat vascular disease and disorders.
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Schedule A Consultation
Get Colorado Springs Raynaud’s Phenomenon care: For the highest level of Colorado Springs Raynaud’s Phenomenon care, schedule a consultation with a board-certified vascular surgeon at Memorial Vein today.
To schedule a consultation, please call:
719-364-8346
Please note: Consultations are covered by most insurances. In some cases, consultations are provided free of charge. Please contact your insurance company for coverage details.
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