I have noticed that many of you also have reynauds with the RA. How is your doctor treating the reynauds? My toes are extremely blue, cold and numb at times. Is this something that can be controlled? Even when its 90 degrees outside, my toes are blue and cold. Thanks for your advice.
I've had raynaud's and RA for over 14 years. In the beginning, my doctor suggested that I quit smoking since smoking makes it worse. I've not smoked in over 5 years and it has helped somewhat, but not entirely. In the colder weather, I'm still having problems with the raynaud's. I'm not taking medication for this...I just try to keep my hands as warm as possible in the colder weather.
Here's something from a site I was looking at to do with Raynaud's
How is Raynaud's treated?
Those with Raynaud's syndrome having no symptoms other than changes to color of affected areas may only need prevention measures to avoid complications.
Some Raynaud's syndrome patients have claimed improvement after changing to diets supplemented with fish oils.
Ulcers or sores on the tips of the fingers or toes should be monitored closely by the doctor as these can become infected. Gently applied finger splints are used to protect ulcerated areas. Ointments to open blood vessels (nitroglycerin ointment) are sometimes used on the sides of severely affected digits to allow increased blood supply and healing.
Severe Raynaud's can lead to gangrene and the loss of fingers or toes. In rare severe cases, nerve surgery called "sympathectomy" may be considered. The nerves stimulatingconstriction of the vessels are surgically interrupted in order to prevent blood vessel spasms.
Some patients with primary Raynaud's and most with the condition secondary to an underlying autoimmune rheumatic disease require drug treatment. Medication appropriate to the individual patient should be discussed with a doctor.