How to Recognize Symptoms of Vibration White Finger Syndrome

Vibration white finger also known a hand-arm vibration syndrome and Raynaud's syndrome is manifests as a painful tingling or burning sensation in the fingers and hands accompanied with numbness, coldness and the tissue of the finger becoming discolored. This disabling condition causes pain as the fingers warm up and regain circulation. Also known as Raynauds syndrome or phenomenon, the underlying cause of vibration white finger is a disruption of blood flow and circulation to the fingers. Often brought about through the use of a variety of heavy equipment in which the hand controls vibrate or by the exposure to excessive cold, vibration white finger can diminish the sense of touch making it difficult to pick up small objects, cause loss of strength in the fingers, hands and arms and interfere with sleep due to numbness and discomfort.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check for tingling or numbness in the fingers or hands when using heavy equipment or any type of instrument that consistently vibrates in the hands when in used. Long distance driving can aggravate or be the cause of vibration white finger and Raynaud's syndrome as well.

2. Observe if fingers are becoming discolored on the soft fleshy pads or under the nails. Vibration white finger often will change tissue color to white and also to a mottled white and purple-blue color or to a mottled white and red.

3. Monitor hands during exposure to cold to see if fingers turn white and become painful as in Raynaud's syndrome. Also patches of white may appear on the hands, mostly the palms. The areas of discoloration will feel as though they are frozen and burning at the same time.

4. Take care of hands and fingers if you suffer from hypothyroidism because vibration white finger can be aggravated due to changes in the hormonal balance of the body effecting circulation and other aspects of the system.

5. Check for the appearance of white finger symptoms mentioned in this article if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Scleroderma or other auto-immune diseases. Raynaud’s syndrome or vibration white finger symptoms can accompany these diseases as concomitants.

6. When experiencing any of the above symptoms, try to pick up small objects such as pins or small nails to detect the presence of vibration white finger and check your ability for small motor control.

7. Notice if you awake during the night with pain in the hands or numbness of hands or fingers which is often one of the long term effects of vibration white finger syndrome.

8. If not using heavy vibrating equipment, be observant of how hands and fingers are feeling and appearing when exposed to cold, if you’re under excessive stress, if you smoke cigarettes or consume caffeine.
   
   Smoking and caffeine both interfere with arterial action and constrict small capillaries limiting their function causing attacks of white finger. If you’re already prone to Raynaud's syndrome or vibration white finger effects, cigarette smoke and caffeine will aggravate your condition.

9. Watch how the flesh of fingers and hands respond to the above stimulants if you already know you have Raynaud's syndrome, circulatory disease. Exposure to the cold is the main long term cause of vibration white finger or Raynaud’s phenomenon. As time progresses the damage to capillaries and nerves progresses and even during warm seasons symptoms can appear with the least triggers. Care must be taken to avoid permanent damage and numbness.
   
   See the resource section below for more information on prevention and treatment of vibration white finger.

Tips & Warnings

• -Any occupation or hobby where there is repetitive use of vibrating equipment or limitation to the circulatory system can be the aggravating cause of vibration white finger even something as seemingly benign as using a sewing machine often and for long stretches of time. -Prolonged exposure to cold air such as sitting in front of air conditioner vents can influence circulation aggravating this condition. -See your healthcare practitioner if you experience excess pain or disability from vibration white finger. There are a variety of alternative methods available for prevention and treatment.

Resources

• How to Prevent and Protect Against Vibration White Finger Symptoms
• How to Differentiate Various Diseases From Vibration White Finger
• Cashmere Wool Socks
• Silk Sock Liners
• Sheepskin Slipper
• Cashmere Lined Lambskin Leather Gloves
• Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater with Adjustable Thermostat

[midcenturymaven]

on 9/6/2009 I've never heard of this, but it sounds awful. I'm no expert, but this appears to be an informative and well researched article. Thanks.

[joanhaines]

on 8/13/2009 Oh, I'm familiar with this when referred to as Raynaud's syndrome. Thanks.