Often, someone with Raynaud s has other problems as well that seem to be associated with the disease, such as migraines, carpal tunnel syndrome, or mitral valve prolapse, a condition that occurs when one part of a heart valve malfunctions. Raynaud s can also be associated with lupus , a disease related to a defective immune system, or scleroderma, a problem of abnormally thickening skin. All of this suggests to scientists that there may be a genetic link between some of these other conditions and Raynaud s. While Raynaud s is usually not much more than an annoying problem, some of the related conditions mentioned above are serious. If you think that you may have Raynaud s, you should see your doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
Doctors subscribe to a number of procedures.
If you learn relaxation techniques and biofeedback, you might teach your body to send more blood to your fingers and toes even when your jumpy nervous system is telling the blood vessels to slam shut. Some doctors recommend warm-water exercises. If you periodically submerge your hands in a tub of warm water while standing in a cold room, you can retrain your body to warm up rather than cool down when it s exposed to a cool environment. Your doctor can give you more information about the conditioning procedures that sometimes prove effective. Whether or not you try a conditioning regimen, there are some supplements that may help.