Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

Arthritis Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

Raynaud's Phenomenon - Treatment Overview

There is no cure for primary Raynaud's phenomenon, although the condition often can be effectively controlled. You may be able to limit or reduce the severity of attacks by keeping warm; managing emotional stress; and avoiding medicines or other substances that affect blood flow, such as nicotine, caffeine, or cold medicines that contain pseudoephedrine. Avoiding beta-blockers, which are often used to treat high blood pressure and fast or irregular heart rates, is also advised. Beta-blocker medicines slow the heart rate and decrease how forcefully the heart contracts, causing even less blood to flow through your capillaries and making symptoms of Raynaud's worse. Do not stop taking medicines your doctor has prescribed, such as beta-blockers, without talking with your doctor.

If Raynaud's phenomenon can't be effectively controlled with home treatment and it interferes with your daily activities, your doctor may prescribe medicines that help increase blood flow and relieve symptoms. These medicines might include a high blood pressure medicine such as a calcium channel blocker, a nitroglycerin ointment, or an erection-enhancing medicine such as sildenafil (Viagra).

Recommended Related to Arthritis

Does Knuckle Cracking Cause Arthritis?

In every issue of WebMD the Magazine, we ask experts to answer readers' questions about a wide range of topics, including some of the oldest -- and most cherished -- medical myths out there. For our October 2011 issue, we asked Dimitrios Pappas, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, about the long-term effects of one popular childhood activity: knuckle cracking. Q: My 10-year-old son cracks his knuckles. Is it true that it causes arthritis? Ten-year-old...

Read the Does Knuckle Cracking Cause Arthritis? article > >

Some alternative treatments have shown promise in treating Raynaud's phenomenon. But they have not been shown to work for everyone. Examples of alternative treatment include herbal supplements and biofeedback training.

If the condition is related to another disease, a drug, or a specific activity (secondary Raynaud's), treating the disease or stopping the drug or activity may also reduce the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: June 30, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Next Article:

Today in Arthritis

Osteoarthritis Overview Slideshow
Slideshow
Sore feet with high heel shoes
SLIDESHOW
 
Knee exercises
Slideshow
Woman in gym
Slideshow
 
Woman shopping for vegetables
Slideshow
close up of man wearing dress shoes
Article
 
feet with gout
Quiz
WebMD iPad magazine, Jennifer Lopezz
NEW APP
 
salad
Video
Trainer demonstrating exercise for RA
Slideshow
 
Woman massaging her neck
Quiz
Xray Rheumatoid Arthritis
Slideshow
 

WebMD Special Sections