Peripheral Artery Disease vs. Raynaud's Disease: What’s the Difference?

October is awareness month for Raynaud's disease, a condition notorious for restricting blood flow to the feet. And since Raynaud’s disease shares many similarities with other vascular conditions, we at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center will explain the illness by seeing how it stacks up against Peripheral Artery Disease.

Peripheral Artery Disease

PAD is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the legs become narrowed and reduce blood flow. This can lead to pain, numbness, and, in serious cases, tissue damage.

Note that PAD has a cardiovascular origin, as it is often caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries known as atherosclerosis.

Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud's disease is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict, which leads to numbness, tingling, and coldness in the extremities. The affected areas may even turn white or blue.

Differences Between PAD and Raynaud's Disease

While PAD and Raynaud's disease affect blood flow to the extremities, there are some common differences between them:

  • Location: PAD typically affects the arteries in the legs, while Raynaud's disease affects the blood vessels in the fingers and toes.

  • Causes: PAD is often caused by atherosclerosis, while Raynaud's disease is thought to be caused by an overreaction of the blood vessels to cold temperatures or emotional stress.

Treatment

Both PAD and Raynaud's disease can be diagnosed through a physical examination and medical history. Extra testing, such as blood exams or imaging studies, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for PAD may include lifestyle changes, medications, or, in severe cases, angioplasty or bypass surgery.

In contrast, Raynaud's disease can often be managed with lifestyle changes, such as keeping warm and avoiding triggers. However, for those with severe Raynaud’s, medications may be prescribed by your podiatrist to improve blood flow.

At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a comprehensive variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are ready to treat our Hartford County patients. To book an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.