Raynaud’s Disease, also known as Raynaud’s Phenomenon or Raynaud’s Syndrome, is a condition that decreases blood flow to body areas such as the hands or feet when exposed to cold temperatures. Seniors with this condition may find relief by using simple lifestyle changes to control symptoms without medications or surgery.
Avoid Cold Exposure Inside and Outside
Cold air (less than 60 degrees) may cause Raynaud’s attacks. People with Raynaud’s Disease may lessen the number and severity of attacks by avoiding colder environments, both inside and outside. They may wish to increase the temperature on the home thermostat or wear warmer clothing while indoors. For example, if reaching into the freezer causes an attack, wear mittens or gloves before opening the freezer door.
If needing to go outdoors during colder weather, people with Raynaud’s should wear warm, protective clothing and consider layering. For detailed information regarding how to properly layer clothing along with excellent tips and pictures, click on Winter Survival Clothing System.
Practical Tips for Keeping Hands and Feet Warm
Although most people with Raynaud’s experience symptoms in the hands and feet, other areas may also be affected. Learn more specific information and see pictures of Raynaud’s in an article about Raynaud’s symptoms, types, and causes.
Keeping the body warm can be simple and inexpensive:
- Mittens tend to keep fingers warmer than gloves.
- Heat packs may be placed in shoes, mittens, or pockets; however, seniors with poor circulation are at risk for burns when applying any type of heat to the skin and should check with a healthcare provider before using any type of heat source applied to the skin.
- Turn on the heater and let the car warm up before driving in colder weather.
According to the February 2009 National Institute of Health’s online article “How is Raynaud’s Treated?” healthy lifestyle changes may improve Raynaud’s symptoms and include:
- Limit caffeine.
- Limit alcohol use.
- Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Participate in regular physical activities, such as walking or group exercise classes.
- Provide careful skin care for the hands and feet to prevent cracking and sores.
- Wear shoes that fit properly and avoid going barefoot.
- Avoid wearing items that might impair circulation, such as tight rings or bracelets.
Identify and Avoid Triggers
People with secondary Raynaud’s have a condition, such as systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), that is often associated with the resulting cold body areas. Proper treatment and control of symptoms of the primary condition combined with the practical tips above may be very helpful in controlling the Raynaud’s attacks without the use of medications.
According to a June 2005 Journal of Family Practice article by Heather Tagliarino et al entitled "What is the evaluation and treatment strategy for Raynaud's Phenomenon?", emotional stress may play a role in causing symptoms in Raynaud’s. Reducing stress through breathing exercises, yoga, progressive relaxation, and other stress reduction techniques may help lessen the number and severity of Raynaud’s attacks.
Some medications may cause cold hands or other body areas associated with Raynaud’s. Before experimenting with any medication changes, always check with the prescribing healthcare provider first.
Treat Raynaud’s Without Medication or Surgery
Seniors tend to experience more side effects with medications and may be considered high risk for surgery, but those with Raynaud’s Phenomenon may find relief for symptoms by incorporating simple lifestyle changes and home remedies. Making healthy changes, such as smoking cessation, stress reduction, and regular exercise, may have the added benefit of improving overall health as well.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always check with a healthcare provider regarding safe alternatives for treatment of Raynaud's.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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