Have you ever asked your client during intake if they’ve experienced Raynaud’s before?
Have you wondered how it might affect their foot health — or whether there's a difference between Raynaud’s Disease and Raynaud’s Phenomenon?
Let’s walk through it together.
🔍 What Is Raynaud’s?
Raynaud’s is a circulatory disorder that primarily affects the hands and feet. It causes episodes of vasoconstriction — where blood vessels tighten and restrict flow to the skin. During these episodes, the skin may appear:
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Pale (white)
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Bluish (cyanotic)
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Red or flushed during recovery
These color changes are often more visible in lighter skin tones, and may be harder to detect in clients with darker pigmentation. Raynaud’s is typically triggered by cold or stress.
🔄 Classifications of Raynaud’s
There are two distinct types of Raynaud’s:
1. Primary Raynaud’s (a.k.a. Raynaud’s Disease)
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Idiopathic (no known underlying cause)
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Usually develops between ages 20–30
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Generally less severe
2. Secondary Raynaud’s (a.k.a. Raynaud’s Phenomenon)
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Occurs secondary to another condition such as:
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Autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus, scleroderma)
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Repetitive-use injuries (e.g. vibrating tools)
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Cold exposure or frostbite
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Certain medications
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Often more severe and persistent
⚠️ Why It Matters in Foot Care
Over time, chronic Raynaud’s can cause:
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Thickening of vascular walls
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Decreased peripheral circulation
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Increased cardiovascular risks
It may also lead to:
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Chilblains: small, red, itchy lesions caused by cold exposure and poor circulation
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Can blister, become painful, and interfere with ambulation
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Most resolve on their own in a few weeks if they don’t break open or get infected
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In rare extreme cases, Raynaud’s can result in:
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Skin ulcers
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Tissue necrosis
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Amputation
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💊 Treatment and Management Strategies
While there is no cure, managing Raynaud’s effectively can greatly reduce risks to foot health.
Basic care:
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Keep extremities warm (socks, mitts, heat packs)
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Avoid cold exposure
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Reduce stress 🧘 (yes, it helps!)
Medical treatment:
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Calcium channel blockers or vasodilators for persistent cases
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In rare cases, nerve surgery may be used to reduce constriction signals
🧠 The goal of treatment is to:
Reduce attacks → Prevent tissue damage → Treat underlying causes
👣 Nursing Takeaway
Foot care clients with Raynaud’s — especially secondary Raynaud’s — may present with:
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Cold, pale, or cyanotic feet
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Thin, fragile skin
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Chilblain lesions
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Delayed healing
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Increased sensitivity to temperature and touch
Be gentle, observant, and always ask the question during intake. A simple history of Raynaud’s may change how you approach pressure reduction, nail care, skin hydration, and footwear recommendations.
📸 Below is an image of chilblains for your clinical reference.