Raynaud’s Disease of the Foot

Raynaud’s occurs when the small arteries in the toes constrict excessively in response to cold or stress, limiting blood supply. There are two main types:

• Primary Raynaud’s: More common and not associated with other medical conditions
• Secondary Raynaud’s: Associated with autoimmune disorders like lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis

Triggers include:

• Cold weather or air conditioning
• Emotional stress or anxiety
• Smoking or caffeine
• Certain medications (e.g., beta blockers, migraine meds)

Evaluation includes:

• Detailed history of symptoms and triggers
• Clinical exam to observe color and temperature changes
• Capillaroscopy or vascular testing, if needed
• Blood tests to rule out autoimmune disease (in secondary cases)

Conservative Management

• Thermal socks and proper footwear to keep feet warm
• Stress reduction techniques (yoga, meditation)
• Avoiding triggers like cold, caffeine, and smoking
• Vasodilators or calcium channel blockers prescribed by your physician

Podiatric Management

• Custom orthotics to reduce pressure points and improve blood flow
• Skin protection regimens for cold weather
• Advanced wound care if ulceration occurs
• Shockwave therapy to stimulate microcirculation
• Referrals to rheumatology for systemic autoimmune evaluation (if needed)

• Wear layered socks and insulated shoes
• Use foot warmers or heating pads (with caution)
• Keep hydrated and active to promote circulation
• Moisturize feet daily to prevent skin cracking

• Vascular and autoimmune-aware foot specialists
• On-site diagnostics and custom orthotics
• Skin and nail management for vascular insufficiency
• Collaboration with internal medicine and rheumatology
• Two convenient locations: Santa Monica & Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers