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The most effective treatment plan for Raynaud's phenomenon employs a multifaceted approach. This includes preventive care aimed at minimizing the risk factors and underlying causes of Raynaud's phenomenon. Preventive measures include regular medical care to monitor for and treat high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Treatment includes diet and lifestyle changes and may include a smoking cessation program, medications, such as cholesterol lowering medications, antihypertensive drugs, and drugs that lower blood sugar. Treatment also includes diagnosing and treating any underlying causes, such as scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Meticulous foot and skin care is also important for people with Raynaud's phenomenon in order to prevent the development of lesions and infections. This includes keeping skin and feet clean, warm, and dry. Avoiding injury to the feet and wearing shoes that are comfortable and protective is also key. A person with Raynaud's phenomenon should also inspect their feet daily and seek prompt medical care for any sores or ulcers that develop.
Treatment also includes avoiding situations that trigger symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. These include avoiding the cold or protecting your hands and feet from cold temperatures. Using hand and foot warmers is a good idea in cold temperature. It is also important to minimize and address stress with lifestyle interventions, such as exercise or meditation. If certain medications are causing symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon, they may need to be adjusted or changed. However, it is very important not to change or discontinue medications without consulting with your physician.
Treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon includes moving to a warmer spot when symptoms occur, soaking the hands and feet in warm water, and wiggling the fingers and toes.
Treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon that does not respond to lifestyle interventions may include medications that keep the blood vessels open, such as calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers, prescription skin creams, and ACE inhibitors. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to block the nerves that control the capillaries to prevent them from spasming and constricting.
The following treatments are listed for Raynaud's phenomenon in our knowledge base:
Alternative treatments, home remedies, other other complementary therapies that have been listed as possibly helpful for Raynaud's phenomenon in various sources may include:
Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon may include:
Review the treatment information pages for various causes of Raynaud's phenomenon:
More causes: not all possible causes for Raynaud's phenomenon are listed above; for a full list refer to causes of Raynaud's phenomenon.
Only your doctor can advise whether any of these treatments are appropriate for your specific medical situation. Always discuss all treatment options with your doctor before making a decision, including whether to start or discontinue any treatment plan.
The following list of conditions have 'Raynaud's phenomenon' or similar listed as a symptom in our database. This computer-generated list may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always seek prompt professional medical advice about the cause of any symptom.
Select from the following alphabetical view of conditions which include a symptom of Raynaud's phenomenon or choose View All.
The following list of medical conditions have 'Raynaud's phenomenon'
or similar listed as a medical complication in our database.
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Copyright © 2011 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved. Last Update: 7 May, 2013 (3:00)
