Raynaud's Phenomenon (RP)

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Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition in which some areas of the body, usually the fingers or toes, have an exaggerated response to cold temperature or emotional stress. During an attack of Raynaud's, the blood vessels in the affected areas tighten, severely limiting the flow of blood to the skin.

Normally the body narrows (constricts) these blood vessels when the skin gets cold. This helps conserve body heat. Stress or exposure to cold temperatures may trigger an exaggeration of this normal body function. The fingers and hands (or, more rarely, the feet, nose, or ears) may turn pale, white, and later blue and feel cold to the touch. Sometimes fingers or toes feel numb and tingly, as if they have "fallen asleep," or they may become painful and swollen.

Most cases of Raynaud's phenomenon have no known cause. But some people may develop Raynaud's as a result of frostbite, an injury, or a disease (such as lupus, scleroderma, atherosclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis). Vibrations from power tools or drugs that affect blood flow (such as nicotine, caffeine, and cold medicines that contain pseudoephedrine) may also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon.

Treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon focuses on preventing attacks by avoiding cold, stress, and other triggers. If your attempts to prevent attacks do not work, prescription medicine may be helpful.

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Doctors

Listed below are Signature Medical Group physicians who diagnose and treat this condition.

Nathan M. Fisher, DO

Nathan M. Fisher

St. Louis, MO

  • Orthopedics
  • Hand and Wrist
  • Shoulder and Elbow

Mark S. Box, MD

Mark S. Box

Kansas City, MO

  • Rheumatology

Nathanael S. Olson, DO

Nathanael S. Olson

St. Louis, MO

  • Hand and Wrist
  • Orthopedics
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Providers

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Locations

Signature Orthopedics Chesterfield

Signature Orthopedics Chesterfield
121 St. Luke’s Center Drive
Building A, Suite 302
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Get directions
314-849-0311

Signature Orthopedics Fenton

Signature Orthopedics Fenton
1011 Bowles Avenue
Suite 100
Fenton, MO 63026
Get directions
314-849-0311

Carondelet Rheumatology

Carondelet Rheumatology
1010 Carondelet Dr
#224A
Kansas City, MO 64114
Get directions
913-563-6644

Signature Orthopedics South County

Signature Orthopedics South County
12639 Old Tesson Road
Suites 100 and 115
St. Louis, MO 63128
Get directions
314-849-0311