What is the Purple Toe?
Purple Toe is a discoloration condition where one or more toes turn dark due to poor circulation, trauma, or microvascular issues. It can occur in athletes as a result of repetitive impact or tight shoes. Prompt assessment helps avoid complications.
Definition
Raynaud’s Syndrome is a condition that affects the blood vessels that supply blood to the skin and other tissues of the extremities, such as fingers, hands, and feet. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of constriction of the blood vessels that lead to a decrease of the blood flow and, therefore, a lack of oxygen in the affected area. This lack of oxygen can cause pain, numbness and colour purple in the skin.
Raynaud’s Syndrome is divided into two types: primary and secondary. The primary type, also known as Raynaud’s idiopathic, is not associated with any underlying disease. The secondary type, also known as Raynaud’s partner, is related to other diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis.
Causes
Raynaud’s Syndrome is caused by the constriction of the blood vessels that supply blood to the limbs. The causes of this constriction can be various and often are not clear.
Some factors that can trigger Raynaud’s Syndrome are:
- Emotional or physical stress
- Exposure to cold or wind
- Smoking
- Intake of certain medications, such as beta blockers and ergotamínicos
- Working with vibrating tools
- Underlying diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Raynaud’s Syndrome is based on the patient’s symptoms and a physical evaluation by a health care provider. The doctor will look for signs of constriction of the blood vessels, and observe the coloration of the affected fingers.
It is possible that the health care provider to perform some additional tests to rule out other conditions that may present similar symptoms, such as Buerger’s disease, and thromboangiitis obliterans. These tests may include blood tests, imaging tests, such as angiography or a Doppler ultrasound, and a biopsy of the skin.
Treatment
The treatment of Raynaud’s Syndrome depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In the case of the primary type, is focused on relieving the symptoms and prevent recurrent episodes. In the case of the secondary type, it is the underlying disease that is causing the constriction of the blood vessels.
Some common treatments for Raynaud’s Syndrome are:
- To avoid triggers, such as cold and stress
- Wear gloves and warm to protect the extremities from the cold
- Avoid smoking and caffeine consumption
- Relaxation exercises and stress management techniques
- Medications to dilate the blood vessels, such as blockers of calcium channels and phosphodiesterase inhibitors
- Medicines to improve the circulation, such as pentoxifylline and aspirin.
Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation of Raynaud’s Syndrome focuses on relieving pain and inflammation, improve circulation and prevent muscle atrophy. It is important to work with a physical therapist to develop a personalized rehabilitation program that is tailored to the specific needs of the patient.
Some rehabilitation techniques that may be useful include:
- Massage tips to improve circulation
- Stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent muscle atrophy
- Occupational therapy to learn how to perform everyday tasks with the affected limbs
- Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) to relieve pain and to improve circulation.
Back to the action
The return to action after an episode of Raynaud’s Syndrome will depend on the severity of the condition and the presence of complications. It is important to work with a physical therapist and a doctor to develop a plan for long-term care that allows the patient to return to their daily activities safely and effectively.
Some recommendations that may be useful include:
- Avoid exposure to cold and other triggers
- Wear gloves and warm to protect the extremities from the cold
- Perform stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent muscle atrophy
- Use medications as recommended by the doctor
- Avoid smoking and caffeine consumption
- Relaxation exercises and stress management techniques.
Note: this article is only intended to be informational use. In any case self-diagnose. If you suffer from any medical condition, we recommend that you go to your physical therapy clinic of confidence.
Cedric Arregui Guivarch
National Coach of Basketball (CES 2014)
Webgrafía and Bibliography
- Povedano Baker, A., García, García, J., & Medina Fernández, F. J. (2017). Raynaud’s syndrome: review and updating. Rheumatology Clinic, 13(3), 145-152.
- Sanchez-Ruiz, J. L., Ramírez Medina, M., & García-Castro, M. (2016). Raynaud’s syndrome: a multidisciplinary approach. FMC, 23(9), 507-515.
- Spanish association of Physiotherapists. (s. f.). Physical therapy in Raynaud’s syndrome. Retrieved 4 April 2023, of
- University clinic of Navarra. (s. f.). Raynaud’s syndrome. Retrieved 4 April 2023, of https://www.cun.es/enfermedades-tratamientos/enfermedades/sindrome-raynaud
- Mayo Clinic. (2022). Raynaud”s disease. Retrieved 4 April 2023, of https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/raynauds-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20363571
