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Raynaud's And Cold Weather

If you’re spending the winter holidays somewhere cold, you need to know how to protect your feet. That’s especially true if you’ve ever noticed them becoming discolored, numb, or painful. While these symptoms are expected if a person is exposed to cold conditions for a long time, in a person who is only exposed to cold briefly, they may be a sign of Raynaud’s disease.

Raynaud’s disease is a disorder in which the smooth muscles surrounding the arteries contract too much for blood to pass. Such “vasospasms” can happen in the feet, hands, face, and nipples. Although it is usually more of an annoyance than a threat, it can cause ulcers, and the worst cases of Raynaud’s result in amputation. One of the distinguishing characteristics of Raynaud’s is a three-color change in the affected body parts. The tissues first turn white after being exposed to cold, and then turn blue. When blood flow is restored, there will often be an excessive amount, causing the tissues to appear red. It is commonly at this point that they would throb and tingle painfully. Raynaud’s disease won’t always cause tissues to cycle through every color; blue is sometimes skipped. A spasm can last for a time between minutes and hours, and it often takes about fifteen minutes after it ends for circulation to normalize.

Cold is the most common trigger for a vasospasm, but stress is also believed to play a role, and smoking puts people at greater risk. Raynaud’s disease is more common in women and affects about 5% of the global population. This number is inclusive of Raynaud’s phenomenon, in which there is another underlying disease which results in vasospasms. Some common examples of these are inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Buerger’s disease. Other causes include Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, lupus, and diseases and medications which cause high blood pressure. (Chemicals used in the manufacturing of PVC are also associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon, but are not usually exposed to the patient’s feet.) Raynaud’s disease is more common in young people, while Raynaud’s phenomenon is usually seen in people over forty.

For severe cases, there are medications which can open up the blood vessels. A doctor will want to thoroughly examine a patient in order to determine whether any of the diseases associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon are present. However, in most cases, patients are advised to take precautions to keep themselves warm, including by avoiding touching chilled glasses and standing in front of open refrigerators. It is a good idea to wear thick, insulated socks, but they have to be changed and washed frequently. When vasospasms are triggered by stress, it is a good idea to practice relaxation techniques, and consultation with a psychologist may be called for. One other thing to keep in mind if a person with Raynaud’s is spending winter somewhere warm is that air conditioning may also trigger vasospasms.

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Testimonials

David CarrGoogle Review
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Went to the foot and ankle center in Dave because my ankle had been sore for four or five days. After examination Doctor D found that I had a torn ligament by doing a sonogram. I was treated for it and was released in a short most convenient amount of time. I will recommend friends to visit this office for foot and ankle problems.
JasonGoogle Review
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Dr. D is amazing - she is incredibly thorough, has impressive knowledge, and describes everything in detail. She took the time to go over multiple issues and was very compassionate in her care plan while remaining honest and letting me know what to expect from long-term diagnoses.
BurakGoogle Review
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I visited this office as a second opinion after not getting any results or satisfaction with a previous podiatrist. Dr. Dabakaroff (Lauren) did an amazing job with her methodical approach to diagnose the issue accurately and provide great … More
Julie NevilsGoogle Review
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From my first phone call with Vicky (at the desk), to meeting Dr. Dabakaroff and Isabella, my experience was wonderful. Dr. D. listened to my plantar fasciitis history; they took x-rays and an ultrasound immediately—right there in the office, which makes all the difference. Dr. D. gave me shots for pain for immediate relief, but is also working with me to stop the pain cycle, including a follow up visit, stretches and shoe suggestions. I’m excited to have found a wonderful podiatrist.
Jack MGoogle Review
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Dr. Dabakaroff is excellent. Performed all the necessary tests in office to diagnose my issue, explained everything thoroughly and treated me successfully. Can’t ask for more. Highly recommend her.
Vivian MenendezGoogle Review
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Honestly one of the best doctors I have ever met. I had an infected ingrown toenail and I was extremely nervous about getting it remove. I was able to be seen the same day. Staff were super sweet and reassuring. Dr.Wolansky made me feel so comfortable and walked me through the process as he was doing it. I honestly feel like more doctors like him are needed in the medical field. His bedside manner is impeccable and he truly loves what he does and cares for his patients. My procedure was done with state of the art technology which made me feel even more comfortable. I totally recommend 1000%. You won’t be disappointed!
Rose KotradyGoogle Review
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Im so glad to find Dr. Bennet and most definitely will recommend to my family and friends. Vicky and Isabelle are so friendly I just love them all.
Lynn GrayGoogle Review
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The staff is amazing, starting with the receptionist. She is always so accommodating with scheduling. She is warm and welcoming and sets a great atmosphere for this office. I had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Lauren and she was very thorough and explained in detail the problems I had been having for years with my feet. Before Dr. Lauren, I went to a couple of doctors with no success. Dr. Lauren is the best at what she does, hands down. She treated me with respect and I walked out their office pain free. From now on, this is my go to office for my feet because this is their specialty. Thank you Dr. Lauren. This is Marlanda Pittman
A ShukerGoogle Review
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Dr. Wolansky is outstanding. He takes the time to explain procedures and supports his patient throughout their treatments. His office staff are exceptional. Vickie is amazing, and Chris held my hand through a procedure. Kind and personable people, not many physician offices like this still exist. I would give him 6 stars!
Leonor JimenezGoogle Review
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This place was great . I was a new patient today and seen Dr.Bennett Wolansky who was not only great , but very knowledgeable and friendly and makes you feel comfortable and relax as a patient. I would and am definitely returning. The staff was also great from front to back. I am so happy I went. And the place was also very clean. So I highly recommend if you need a podiatrist this is the place.
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