How To Cope with Raynaud’s This Winter

If your hands, fingers, or feet start turning numb or cold in the winter, it could be a sign of Raynaud’s. This is a condition that affects blood flow to certain areas of the body. While it might seem like just a reaction to chilly weather, understanding and managing Raynaud's can make a big difference. Below, we share treatments and tips to help you care for your symptoms at home.

What is Raynaud’s?

Raynaud’s is a relatively common condition that affects the blood supply to your extremities (like hands and feet) due to oversensitive blood vessels. When your body is exposed to cold, your blood vessels contract in an effort to retain heat. If you have Raynaud’s, the blood vessels in your extremities are far more sensitive, meaning even less blood flows through them. This can lead hands, feet, fingers and toes to go numb, become painful or cold and turn blue or white.

Although less common, the condition can also be triggered by anxiety and emotional stress. Factors such as rheumatic diseases, smoking or alcohol can also have an impact. Be aware that sometimes Raynaud’s can be a sign of something more serious, so always go and see your GP if you’re worried.

It isn’t the same as poor circulation

It's true that Raynaud's affects your blood circulation, but this isn’t the same as poor circulation. Poor circulation generally means that your blood doesn't flow as efficiently as it should around your body. If you have Raynaud's, your blood vessels narrow more than usual in response to the cold to keep your core warm.

It can affect different parts of the body

Raynaud’s is most common in fingers and toes, but may also affect the nose, ears, and nipples. The affected areas may change colour with  the skin turning white or blue.Other symptoms include pain, numbness, pins and needles and difficulty moving the affected area. These feelings can last from a few minutes to a few hours.

Raynaud’s is more common in women than in men

Experts aren't certain why the condition is more common in women. In fact, they're not sure what causes the condition altogether. There's some evidence that it may be genetic, as Raynaud's has been known to run in families.

Most people have primary Raynaud's. This is where the condition occurs independently, without being linked to another health condition. Secondary Raynaud's, which is when the condition occurs with another disease like scleroderma, is more complex.

The symptoms of Raynaud’s

Reduced blood flow in affected areas can cause a range of sensations. Here are the most common symptoms associated with the condition.

Skin colour goes pale and blue

One of the most recognisable symptoms of Raynaud’s is the signature white or blue appearance of the skin. Often the first visible sign, parts of the hands, fingers, feet, toes or the nose will appear much lighter in colour. The change in colour reflects the lack of oxygen in the blood vessels reaching these areas.

Coldness and numbness

When blood flow to certain parts of the body decreases, those areas may feel cold, numb, and cool to the touch. This can make the joints feel stiff and it may be more difficult to grasp or hold things easily. The cold, numb sensation typically lasts as long as circulation is reduced and stops when circulation is back to normal.

Throbbing pain

People suffering from Raynaud’s will often feel a throbbing sensation. When blood vessels constrict it can cause an aching sensation. Similarly, when blood vessels relax and oxygen enters the bloodstream once again, the adjustment to normal circulation can create a sharp intense pain for some time.

Swelling

Swelling tends to occur when circulation resumes and blood vessels readjust. As a result, areas affected by Raynaud’s can appear inflamed. Swelling typically doesn’t last more than an hour.

Soreness

After an individual has experienced a Raynaud’s episode, parts of the body will feel sore to the touch for some time. This is because the tissue in the affected areas goes from freezing to being rapidly warmed up again. Any soreness should only be temporary.

Ways to cope with Raynaud’s

An important part of understanding Raynaud's is learning how to best manage and cope with its symptoms and effects. Here are some natural Raynaud’s treatments.

Keep your home warm

Health conditions related to circulation get worse during the winter, so make sure to keep your home nice and warm. The addition of heat will help stimulate blood flow around the body helping relieve the symptoms of Raynaud’s in the colder months. Simple tasks like using a heated blanket when sleeping, drawing curtains earlier in the day and reducing drafts can help retain home heat.

Wear warm clothes during cold weather

Counter the cold by keeping your extremities warm. Consider wearing gloves, mittens or thermal socks to help beat the chill. Doing this will reverse the effects of Raynaud’s and keep the blood in your fingers and toes.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is an important part of staying healthy. A lack of exercise can lead to multiple health issues, one of which is poor circulation. It won’t happen overnight, but years of inactivity will eventually take its toll on the circulatory system, which requires regular movement to function properly.

Try breathing exercises or yoga to help you relax

To combat the effects of stress on your body and circulatory system you could try breathing exercises or yoga. Stress and anxiety can cause knots in the muscles, especially in the shoulders and neck. These knots can put pressure on your arteries, impairing circulation and restricting blood flow.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet

One of the most common causes of poor circulation is a bad diet. When the body doesn’t get the right amount of essential minerals, vitamins and other nutrients, blood vessels become fragile, making it difficult for the blood to circulate properly. High cholesterol resulting from an unbalanced diet can also cause plaque to build up in the arteries. This reduces blood volume and can impede circulation.

Diabetes can affect more than your blood sugar. It can even cause poor circulation in certain areas of the body. For instance, it might cause cramping in your legs and pain in your calves, thighs or buttocks. For those with diabetes, it is essential to keep blood sugar levels balanced in order to avoid these symptoms.

Excessive weight applies pressure and stress on the tissues, leading to circulation problems. Obesity is often linked with a sedentary lifestyle, which compounds the problems related to blood flow and circulation. As a result, it’s important to have a good diet and to maintain a healthy weight.

Relax in a rise and recline chair

Rise and recline chairs can greatly improve circulation and stave off the effects of Raynaud’s. Raising ankles to a height in line with your heart allows it to pump blood around the body more easily, whilst heat and massage functions can improve circulation, keep you warm and help stimulate blood flow.

Triggers and causes of Raynaud’s

Most people will experience Raynaud’s in cold temperatures, but there are other factors that allow symptoms to develop. This includes lifestyle habits like smoking and caffeine, as well as environmental factors like anxiety and stress.

Extreme change in temperature

Exposure to the cold or a sudden change in temperature are the most common causes of an attack. This could be anything from being outside in cold weather to holding a cold glass or getting something out of the freezer.

Anxiety and stress

When we’re anxious and stressed, our body operates a ‘fight or flight’ response. When this happens, the body’s blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow to the extremities. This can lead to numbness and a tingling sensation.

Smoking

Similarly, nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels in the body which increases the symptoms of Raynaud’s. Smoking directly affects the hands and feet, which intensifies the sensitivity to cold temperatures.

Caffeine and other stimulants

Stimulants like caffeine found in tea, coffee and energy drinks elevate heart rate which compresses vessels and reduces blood flow. As these drinks directly affect circulation, it’s important to have them in moderation.

Is Raynaud’s something to worry about?

The symptoms can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, and there currently isn’t a cure for Raynaud’s disease. However, the effects usually aren’t too serious. If Raynaud's is affecting your daily life or you think it is worsening, consider visiting your GP.They may prescribe a medicine called nifedipine, which helps improve your circulation. You might also need to have a blood test to check for a more serious condition like rheumatoid arthritis.

How can Oak Tree Mobility products help prevent the effects of Raynaud’s?

Our Oak Tree Mobility adjustable beds and rise and recline chairs can make managing Raynaud’s symptoms easier. Handcrafted to fit you perfectly and expert-endorsed, they not only provide incredible comfort but additional support, assisting blood flow, improving circulation and keeping you warm.

Learn more about Oak Tree’s range of adjustable beds, rise and recline chairs and bath lifts and how they can support you by requesting your FREE brochure today.