Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition of the circulatory system in which blood flow to the fingers and toes is temporarily reduced. It can also affect other extremities of the body including the ears, nose and tongue. The restriction in blood flow can be as little as a few minutes through to hours.
Symptoms and characteristics
The smaller blood vessels supplying the parts of the body such as the fingers and toes, can go into spasm due to a lack of oxygen being supplied to them from the reduced blood flow.
Symptoms and characteristics of Raynaud's phenomenon may include:
- colour changes of the digits from pink through to blue and eventually white, as blood flow returns so does colour
- tingling or numbness sensation in fingers or toes
- fingers are usually affected more than the toes and it is generally on both sides of the body with the thumb often not involved
- if the disorder progresses, ulcers can form on the affected areas causing tissue damage and loss
- migraines.
It is estimated that as many as 1 in 20 persons with Raynaud’s phenomenon have the condition secondary to an autoimmune disorder. Some examples of autoimmune conditions associated with Raynaud’s are:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- scleroderma
- systemic lupus erythematosus.
For more information on cardiovascular disorders, please see the links below:
Workplace adjustments and solutions
In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with Raynaud’s phenomenon to better manage their symptoms. These include changes to work tasks and the environment, such as:
- wearing layers of clothing and gloves if in a cold work environment
- use of a heater if appropriate to lift temperature of the workplace
- wearing protective gloves if having to work with hands in water, handle cold objects or obtain stock from fridges and freezers
- avoiding work in outdoor environments when cold or regularly going from cold to hot environments
- avoiding repetitive exposure to vibrating hand tools such as jackhammers
- minimising tight gripping with hands on objects or tools
- regularly stretching hands and fingers throughout the work day
- drinking plenty of water to ensure hydrated
- avoiding stressful work situations.
The Employment Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for work related modifications, equipment and services to help persons with disability to get employment and perform their work as independently and productively as possible. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2011, Raynaud’s phenomenon, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 10 November 2011, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Raynaud%27s_phenomenon?open.
CCOHS 2008, OSH Answers: Raynaud’s phenomenon, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Ontario, viewed 10 November 2011, http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/raynaud.html.
MDA Internet 1991-2010, Raynaud’s phenomenon, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 10 November 2011, http://www.mdguidelines.com/.