My fingers go completely white and numb when it's cold and are very painful.?

Question

For a number of years my fingers go white and numb when it's cold. Occasionally a toe will also go white. I have booked an appointment with my GP as the condition is getting worse, I went swimming the other day and my fingers started to pain me. I have to run my hands under warm water for the whiteness and pain to go away. Then my fingers go all purple and swell. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Sounds like Raynaud's Disease: My ex suffered from it.

Raynaud's syndrome is a mysterious and distressing disease where the small blood vessels of the fingers or toes go into spasm unpredictably, causing numbness and then pain, and then dilate to give equally painful red skin.

It is usually referred to as Raynaud's 'syndrome' where it follows the prolonged usage of vibratory tools such as pneumatic drills, and Raynaud's 'disease' where there is no apparent cause. Occasionally it happens as a consequence of another condition and in this context it is described as Raynaud's phenomenon.

There are many conditions that can cause it, but most of them are rare. They are usually diseases in which the immune system is faulty and prone to attack its own tissues [auto-immune disease], such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosis [SLE] and scleroderma, or diseases that obstruct and damage blood vessels directly. Apparently, even a severely under active thyroid gland can be responsible. Obviously any underlying conditions need to be detected and treated.

Treatment for the problem itself really involves keeping the extremities warm and trying to avoid the conditions that make it worse; such as cold, physical knocks and vibration. Minimising emotional stress has a significant beneficial effect too. It is important to avoid drugs that are known to restrict blood vessels. These include Beta-blockers [used for high blood pressure and angina], Ergotamine [a treatment for migraine], and for some, the oral contraceptive pill. Smoking should be avoided because nicotine itself has a direct vasoconstricting effect on blood vessels.

There are medications that relax muscle in the walls of arteries and counter any restriction of blood flow [vasodilators]. These are relatively safe and can be quite effective. Calcium channel blockers, such as Nifedipine are commonly used. Their other effects include lowering blood pressure, constipation and swollen ankles, but usually these are mild and reversible - so whether one takes them or not depends on the overall level of benefit.

There are other drugs and even operations that can be tried in severe cases. Sympathectomy is a procedure that cuts those nerves that signal the blood vessels within a limb to vasoconstrict. It is very effective, but doesn't necessarily last forever.

Answer 2

Hello, I have various joint conditions I am in my 20s also and I have Raynaud's phenomenon, my fingers and toes do the same thing even in summer or when I'm aboard! They go very numb and white and I struggle to type or pay with coins when they are like that, I also ache but thats due to my joint condition. All my fingers are affected but I've just had it in a my thumb and index finger once I have had it all my life and was diagnosed when I was 19. Best thing to do is to see your doctor, they can help. There is no cure but I'm pretty sure you can take medication to help your circulation, I can't as I'm hyper-sensitive. Wearing two or three pairs of gloves help and a few pairs of sock or warm boots like uggs, I find in the cold leather makes my toes worse and I have gone out in slippers before!!! I also have found vitamins help and I take vit B, D, folic acid and E and I noticed I was a lot warmer after taking these, it did take a few months for any affect. Just keep warm and look after yourself.

Answer 3

Fingers White And Numb

Answer 4

You've got blood flow issues.

Might be some flaw in the shape of your circulatory system... congenital or otherwise....


But as a temporary solution at least, when your fingers begin to go white, swinging your arm around in circles with your fingers outstretched will pretty much force the blood to the extremities.... Can't guarantee that its a healthy solution, but it'll get the blood to where it needs to go.

Sounds like you've got a life-long issue there though.

Answer 5

It does sound like Raynaud's syndrome, but you should check with a doctor to be certain. Gentle, regular exercise where you use your hands will help. Try yoga (not power yoga, though, unless you are very fit!)

One exercise that helps: Stretch your arms out straight overhead. Spread your fingers wide, then close them into fists. Repeat 10 times, twice a day. (also good for carpal tunnel syndrome.)

Do check with the doctor to make sure you don't have any nerve damage, arthritis or other conditions which could have complications. Good luck to you!

Answer 6

You have Raynaud's syndrome. I know, I have had it since childhood. It is sometimes called the red, white and blue disease. Raynaud's is often seen in overlap with autoimmune diseases like lupus. Your GP may have no clue. For decades, no doctor I had could tell me what was going on. It was not until I was diagnosed with lupus 3 years ago that I mentioned this again. The link below to the National Institutes of Health will explain the phenomenon. Print it out and take it with you to your doctor.

"Although estimates vary, most studies show that Raynaud’s phenomenon affects about 3 percent of the general population. For most, the symptoms are mild and not associated with any blood vessel or tissue damage.

Most people with Raynaud’s phenomenon have the primary form, which is not associated with any underlying disease. In fact, in these individuals it is thought to be an exaggeration of normal responses to cold temperature and/or stress."

Answer 7

Three reactivation massage products can be applied. One
is to redistribute the salts within you, these are usually a
type of pain prevention in the colchidine relievers. This is to
help reorganize inside those failing systems. This entire
product service should be studied by blood samples at
the clinic, also check for low blood pressure, or high pressure.
The area may be also you need to give up sugars, salts and
fats, very large gorging meals. Excessive fat in the blood is
in the warning signals through purple swelling in some form.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

You have Renaud's syndrome. It is caused when the body attempts to conserve blood flow to the essential organs by limiting it to the extremities. In order to minimize it's effects, avoid situations where you will be exposed to cold conditions, and secondly, dress warmly. Conserving heat loss from the head by wearing a hat (even indoors) is probably the most effective preventative measure you can take. Good luck.

Answer 10

Sounds like raynauds syndrome, causes the extremities to go white in cold weather! it is also caused by poor circulation, you need to keep your torso wrapped up so that your main organs are kept warm, its out with the long johns I'm afraid