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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Mayo Clinic: Raynaud's Disease
- Cleveland Clinic: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- MedlinePlus: Thromboangiitis Obliterans
- Mayo Clinic: Anemia
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Blood Circulation Problems in Hands
Circulatory problems in the hands may be caused by a variety of conditions, including autoimmune diseases, injuries, structural defects, anemia and genetic diseases, according to the Mayo Clinic 4. The patient's first indication of a circulatory issue may be numbness, tingling, change in skin color or a sensation that the hands are cold. Treatment varies with the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. If serious circulatory problems are left untreated, the patient may eventually require amputation of one or more fingers.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Raynaud's Disease
Patient's with Raynaud's disease experience spasms in the arteries of the fingers and toes that limit blood flow to the areas, reports the Mayo Clinic 14. The affected areas turn pale and dusky when blood flow is diminished, then turn red when the spasms resolve. The cause of Raynaud's disease is unknown, but it appears to be an overreaction to stress or cold exposure 1. Patients with lupus, scleroderma, arterial disease and carpal tunnel syndrome often develop Raynaud's disease 1. Smokers, typists, pianists and patients who are exposed to vinyl chloride are at risk for the condition. Medications for high blood pressure, cancer, migraines and hormone imablances also are associated with Raynaud's disease 1.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Numbness in Hands Due to Cold Temperatures
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Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by an extra first rib or other congenital abnormality of the bone structure that compresses the nerves and blood vessels in the lower neck and upper chest, according to the Cleveland Clinic 2. Patients with arterial thoracic outlet syndrome complain of poor circulation in the arms, hands and fingers, as well as numbness, sores or cold sensitivity in the hands and fingers 2. Without treatment, permanent nerve damage, blood clots, ulcers and gangrene can occur. Surgery to remove the extra rib and repair arterial damage may be required.
Thromboangiitis Obliterans
Thromboangiitis obliterans, also called Buerger's disease, is a rare condition that obstructs blood vessels in the hands and feet, according to MedlinePlus 3. Symptoms may include acute, burning or tingling pain in the hands and feet; pale, red or bluish skin in the affected areas; pain in the feet, ankles or legs while walking; ulcers on the hands or feet; and cold sensitivity.
Anemia
What Are the Causes of Pain in Fingertips & Toes?
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Patients with anemia have poor circulation to various parts of the body, including the hands, because they do not have enough healthy red blood cells to oxygenate the tissues, reports the Mayo Clinic 4. Anemia may be caused by deficiencies in iron or vitamins, exposure to chemicals or genetic disorders. Treatment depends on the cause of the anemia.
Structural Problems
Structural problems in the vascular system can reduce blood flow to the hands. If circulation is seriously impaired, surgical intervention will be required.
Related Articles
References
- Mayo Clinic: Raynaud's Disease
- Cleveland Clinic: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- MedlinePlus: Thromboangiitis Obliterans
- Mayo Clinic: Anemia
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand: Vascular Disorders
- Wigley F., and N. Flavahan. Raynaud's Phenomenon. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2016. 375(6):556-65. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1507638
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Raynaud's. October 2019.
- Maverakis, E., Patel, F., Kronenberg, D. et al. International Consensus Criteria for the Diagnosis of Raynaud's Phenomenon. Journal of Autoimmunity. 2014. 48-49:60-65. doi:10.1016/j.jaut.2014.01.020
- Scleroderma Foundation. Systemic Sclerosis: Diffuse and Limited (PDF). Published January 2019.
- Herrick, A. Evidence-Based Management of Raynaud's Phenomenon. Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Diseases. 2017. 9(12):317-329. doi:10.1177/1759720X17740074
- Khouri C, Blaise S, Carpentier P, Villier C, Cracowski JL, Roustit M. Drug-induced Raynaud's phenomenon: beyond β-adrenoceptor blockers. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2016;82(1):6–16. doi:10.1111/bcp.12912
- U.S. Department of Justice. A Guide To Disability Rights Laws. U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division - Disability Rights Section. Published July 2009.
- Wigley F, Post T (ed). Treatment Of Raynaud Phenomenon: Initial Management. UpToDate. Updated December 2019
- Rinash, F., Tingey, P., Hardy, S. et al. Calcium Channel Blockers for Primary and Secondary Raynaud's Phenomenon. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017.12:CD000467. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000467.pub2
- Qiu, O., Chan, T., Luen, M., Cruz, J., and E. Hermes-De Santis. Use of Nitroglycerine Ointment to Treat Primary and Secondary Raynaud's Phenomenon: A Systematic Literature Review. Rheumatology International. 2018 Aug 22. doi:10.1007/s00296-018-4119-9
- The Raynaud’s Association. Frequently Asked Questions. Updated July 2019.
- Choi, W., Choi, C., Kim, K. et al. To compare the efficacy and safety of nifedipine sustained release with Ginkgo biloba extract to treat patients with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon in South Korea; Korean Raynaud study (KOARA study). Clin Rheumatol 28, 553 (2009) doi:10.1007/s10067-008-1084-9
- Arthritis Foundation. Raynaud’s Phenomenon. Updated September 2019.
- Sufka P. Raynaud’s Phenomenon. American College of Rheumatology. Updated March 2019.
Writer Bio
Marcy Brinkley has been writing professionally since 2007. Her work has appeared in "Chicken Soup for the Soul," "Texas Health Law Reporter" and the "State Bar of Texas Health Law Section Report." Her degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; a Master of Business Administration; and a Doctor of Jurisprudence.