RAYNAUD’S SYNDROME
Raynaud’s Syndrome is a condition which causes a reduction of blood flow to the extremities of the body, having a direct effect on fingers and/or toes. It typically afflicts women in their late teens and early adult years. Our use of magnetic therapy is so effective at treating this disorder, that it can even close open ulcers in the fingertips resulting from a severe and prolonged case of the condition.
Symptoms:
Since Raynaud’s is a condition which affects circulation into the fingers and/or toes, symptoms will all be related to that of a decreased circulation into a region.
- Bluish color to the tips of fingers and toes
- Whitish coloured nails
- Cold and clammy skin while their surrounding region is warm
- Pins and Needles sensations
- Deep ache
- Increased sensitivity to any touch
Causes:
There are two forms of Raynaud’s which have a multitude of causes for each. Below is a basic overview of each.
Primary Raynaud’s:
This is the most common form of the condition which causes a constricting or narrowing of the tiny blood vessels which supply blood to the fingers and toes. All of the above symptoms are due to the reduction of blood flow to the region. Causes for primary Raynaud’s are as follows:
- Overreaction by the blood vessels to cold.
- Overreaction by the nerves supplying the blood vessels to cold.
- Nervousness and/or anxiety.
- Pregnancy.
- Smoking.
- May accompany episodes of migraine headaches.
- Excessive caffeine consumption.
Secondary Raynaud’s:
This is a much less common form of the disorder and involves other medical conditions in the body to be present. Causes for this form are as follows:
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Connective tissue disorder
- Eating disorders
- Atherosclerosis
- Nerve and vascular compressions in the neck
- A side-effect to other drugs being taken
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Trauma to the hand
- Toxic exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury
In Depth: What Is Really Happening?
Basically, the tiny blood vessels are constricting, reducing the amount of blood flowing into the tissues at the ends of the fingers and toes. There are so many possible reasons for this to happen that it is almost impossible to predict or comment on exactly what is happening. We do not, however, that the muscles of the tiny blood vessels tighten causing a decrease in the elasticity of the vessels, thus reducing blood flow. Your hormones and nervous system directly control all blood vessel dilation (looseness) and vasoconstriction (tightness) on a regular basis. Any triggers or factors which can cause either your hormones or nervous system to be altered can directly affect these tiny blood vessels ability to deliver blood.
For most people, Raynaud’s syndrome can be explained as hypersensitivity to the factors which control the elasticity of these tiny blood vessels. For example, if your hands are cold in the winter season, the blood vessels in your hands may react more than they should and constrict immediately, causing the condition. The condition can be exactly like people who have a skin sensitivity to wool or other fabrics or soaps.
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