Category: Raynaud’s Disease

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Rebuff Raynaud’s and Fight Frostbite!

In the winter months, our feet deserve a little extra attention. Plummeting temperatures can exacerbate issues with circulation; the body must work harder to pump blood, and extremities like the feet, farthest of all from the heart, are often first to feel the adverse effects of cold.

Step by Step Family Footcare is committed to helping patients make informed decisions about their health, so we’ve put together a short, informative guide concerning two common winter woes: Raynaud’s disease and frostbite. Both conditions can lead to discomfort, pain, and long-term consequences if not addressed promptly.

What is Raynaud’s Disease?

  • This circulatory disorder affects blood flow to certain body parts, usually the fingers and toes.
  • Raynaud’s worsens when the body is exposed to cold or stress.
  • In severe cases, it can lead to numbness, tingling, and even color changes in the affected areas.

Our expert team is here to help! We can provide guidance on proper winter footwear and socks, perform diagnostic tests to determine the extent of any circulation problems, and help you avoid risk factors like smoking. Certain medications, such as beta-blockers, migraine medicines, and cold medicines, can also complicate or worsen Raynaud’s.

What to Watch for With Frostbite

  • Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
  • The extremities, including the toes, are particularly susceptible to frostbite.
  • Minor cases can be reversed, but severe ones can permanently damage your feet.

We will assist you in preventing frostbite by promoting good circulation and footwear choices. We’ll also help to identify risk factors or early signs. Timely intervention can prevent the progression of frostbite and minimize the risk of complications, so if you need immediate treatment, we’ve got that covered, too.

Step By Step Family Foot Care will keep you warm and walking this winter! To make an appointment with Dr. Debra Manheim, call us at (973) 917-3785 or visit our site to schedule one online. The staff at our Parsippany office is ready and eager to assist you.

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What Causes Raynaud’s Disease?

Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud’s disease is a condition that doctors are still struggling to understand. With this condition, your body will overreact to stress or cold temperatures. This causes a change in your fingers and toes. The changes include your skin becoming a lighter color to the point where it becomes white, numbness, and a prickly feeling going into the affected area.

You may be wondering, however, what causes this illness to emerge?

Causes of Raynaud’s Disease

  • When your blood vessels spasm: With this affliction, the arteries to your toes and fingers narrow and limit blood supply. This is especially true if you are stressed or have been exposed to cold.
  • Artery diseases: These include plaque in the vessels, disorders, and high blood pressure.
  • Repetitive motions: Motions like playing piano, operating construction equipment, and other repetitive motions can lead to overuse.
  • Tissue diseases: Lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis are all connective tissue diseases that can increase the risk of Raynaud’s disease.
  • Smoking: This includes both smoking and second-hand smoke. Both are damaging and cause blood vessels to constrict.
  • Taking medications: If you take blood pressure medicine, headache and migraine medicine, or over-the-counter cold medicines you can be at increased risk.
  • Injuries: If you have had injuries to the feet or your hands like fractures, frostbite, or had surgery in these areas, you will be at further risk.

Raynaud’s is a condition that can cause other issues later. Knowing the causes can help you avoid this condition and keep your health at its peak. If you have these systems, you will need to get help from your podiatrist and doctor immediately. If you’re curious about the health of your feet, contact Step by Step Family Foot Care in Parsippany, New Jersey. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Debra B. Manheim, offers treatment for foot and ankle disorders, biomechanical analysis, and functional orthotic fabrication. For answers to your foot questions and to schedule your appointment, contact us at (973) 917-3785.