Vibrations : Dr google is sending me... - Scleroderma & Ray...

Scleroderma & Raynaud's UK (SRUK)

10,901 members5,446 posts

Vibrations

Brychni profile image
10 Replies

Dr google is sending me down a blind alley so thought I'd ask the experts:Does anyone here with primary or secondary Raynaud's ever get an attack from using a vibrating tool such as an electric whisk and/or hairdryer?

It's been happening to me for about a year or so (had Raynaud's for about 10yrs) and I thought the hairdryer issue was because I was damp and cold after shower but after whipping cream today the same thing happened.

Googling just brought up information about people who had developed a related condition from using road drills and the like for years.

Written by
Brychni profile image
Brychni
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
10 Replies
Purple_Badgers profile image
Purple_Badgers

Yes, I do! It has been happening to me for a couple of years and has coincided with a general worsening of my Reynauds. I discovered that I couldn’t trim my partner’s hair, as it was too painful to hold the clippers. Hand mixers and electric toothbrushes set it off too.

I have never used heavy tools, but used to work in admin at a computer a lot of the time.

A rheumatologist recently recommended that I try nifedipine to improve the circulation in my hands. She also said she thought I had developed carpal tunnel syndrome. I’m due some blood tests next week, as she reluctantly agreed to check whether there is something else going on, due to other symptoms including dry eyes.

NZHeather profile image
NZHeather in reply to Purple_Badgers

Hello, I had what appeared to be carpal tunnel syndrome. it wasn't too bad, so just put up with it. Several years laterI was diagnosed with thryroid problems and was prescribed with Levothyroxine and almost overnight the carpal tunnel pain disapeared. It may be worthwhile having your thyroid checked. Best wishes Heather

Purple_Badgers profile image
Purple_Badgers in reply to NZHeather

Thanks, Heather. I have a collection of symptoms and never seem to have anything significant come back from blood tests that have been done over the years.

NZHeather profile image
NZHeather in reply to Purple_Badgers

This 'self care' business is hard work isn't it?

Tiko131 profile image
Tiko131 in reply to Purple_Badgers

Hi! I suffer erythromelalgia caused by small fibers neuropathy and I suffer Raynauds from it. And among other symptoms because of the neuropathy, dry eyes and intense dry mouth. I have problems since many years ago with vibrations, more intense vibrations initially and even with these emitted by my mobile or by a car, now. I can't type more than a few words. This kind of sensitivity to vibrations suggest a neurological origin and small fiber neuropathy should be ruled out, as your doctor is doing with carpal tunnel syndrome and probably with Sjoegren´s disease that is another etiology for dry eyes + Raynaud´s.

Small fibers control peripheral vascularization, glands work and many more things, that's why they can cause Raynaud + dry eyes. And temperature has also to do with it. But it´s a difficult diagnosis, many doctors aren't used with it. And in most cases, blood tests will be normal. . Maybe you should contact a doctor specialised in it. Be cautious with nifedipine as it could make worse.

Hope it can help. Good luck!

k9lover58 profile image
k9lover58 in reply to Purple_Badgers

I got the same thing and was told that the capillaries get even more restricted when I am holding anything tightly. He put me on nifedipine 3 times a day and it really helped. Try it and let us know…good luck👍😘

trunchalobesity profile image
trunchalobesity

it’s vibration white finger. Basically both the vibration and cold has the effect of shutting down your blood vessels in the concerned extremities, usually the fingers

Brychni profile image
Brychni in reply to trunchalobesity

Hi, thanks. Can people have both? All the info online says that it's only caused by occupational activities using heavy duty vibrating tools.

Tiko131 profile image
Tiko131

Hello! I suffer erythromelalgia caused by small fibers neuropathy and I suffer Raynauds from it. And among other symptoms because of the neuropathy, dry eyes and intense dry mouth. I have problems since many years ago with vibrations, more intense vibrations initially and even with these emitted by my mobile or by a car, now. I can't type more than a few words. This kind of sensitivity to vibrations suggest a neurological origin and small fiber neuropathy should be ruled out.

But it´s a difficult diagnosis, many doctors aren't used with it. And in most cases, blood tests will be normal. . Maybe you should contact a doctor specialised in it.

Hope it can help. Good luck!

cowhide profile image
cowhide

If you have Raynauds then gripping can compromise the circulation. Both the electric whisk and the hair dryer would be gripped quite firmly so Raynauds attack is more likely.

I already had a Raynauds diagnosis before I started occasionally using power washers as part of my job (for a couple of hours at a time) and it always triggered an attack. I often get an attack from gripping something, especially if the temperature is below 20C. The treatment for vibration white finger is basically the same for Raynauds anyway.

You may also like...

Burning Feet & Raynauds

2016, as well as many food intolerances. I've had Raynauds since I was a kid. I live in the...

Long time sufferer of Raynauds and SSc, but new symptom...

a lot of women do with Raynauds (i'm now 42), and I thought I'd suffered every symptom possible...

Positive Nail Fold Capillary test and Raynauds

changes and evidence of secondary Raynauds. Can you let me know if this has happened to you, how...

Some advice for a Newby please?

this site from Lupus UK. I thought I'd check it out as I've had Raynaud's all my life, Lupus &...

Ssc and secondary raynauds

diagnosed with systemic sclerosis and secondary raynauds. I have had raynauds for around 3 years....