A few studies have suggested that gripping a hand tool too tightly could cause Raynaud's phenomenon. Other isolated studies have identified Raynaud's phenomenon in workers who injured their hands by using them for hammering, or pushing or twisting heavy objects. In these cases, Raynaud's phenomenon was part of a disorder called hypothenar hammer syndrome . The time between first contact with the hazardous condition and the appearance of Raynaud's phenomenon is known as the latent period. This varies according to the type of hazard, the amount of exposure and the individual worker.
Some people are more susceptible than others.
The latent period for vibration exposure can be as short as one year. As a general rule, severe exposure reduces the latent period. If the latent period for a group of workers is short, the disorder tends to appear more frequently. Also, in individuals with a short latent period, Raynaud's phenomenon tends to progress to advanced stages faster. Raynaud's phenomenon from other causes are relatively rare.