Raynaud’s Syndrome is a condition whereby the constriction of arteries prevents adequate blood flow to certain extremities. It’s a condition that typically affects the hands and less commonly, the toes, but in certain cases it has been known to affect the nose and lips [1].
There’s no known ‘test’ for Raynaud’s Syndrome and diagnosis is usually made on the strength of symptoms.
There is blood flow monitoring technology, but it’s rarely required to diagnose the condition. Diagnosis is usually a straightforward process given the clarity of the symptoms that most patients present. The common symptoms of Raynaud’s Syndrome include…
- Cold fingers and/or toes
- Pale, discoloured fingers and/or toes
- Numbness or tingling
- Difficulty moving the affected areas
The symptoms can last for a few minutes to a few hours. Whilst they’re not considered serious per se, they can be uncomfortable and truly unpleasant for the sufferer so treatment options need to be sought.