Severe and frequent episodes affecting the entire length of most fingers are the third stage. It usually affects both hands, and attacks occur in response to stress or cold. People can also get Raynaud's phenomenon as a result of certain diseases or injuries. At the workplace, there are several hazards can cause Raynaud's phenomenon. Raynaud's phenomenon is only one aspect of the hand-arm vibration syndrome.
Vibration also damages the nerves, muscles, bones and joints of the hand and arm.
Before the cancer-causing effects of vinyl chloride were known, workers exposed to concentrated levels of this chemical experienced Raynaud's phenomenon. Frostbite injury can also cause Raynaud's phenomenon. One study reports that fish plant workers developed Raynaud's phenomenon after chilling and rewarming their hands several times a day over a period of years. Some studies have suggested that gripping a hand tool too tightly could cause Raynaud's phenomenon. Other studies have diagnosed Raynaud's phenomenon in workers who injured their hands by using them for hammering, or pushing or twisting heavy objects.