Raynaud's disease or phenomenon - Clearing up the confusion
If your doctor has diagnosed you as a sufferer of Raynauds they will have mentioned another term that clarifies what type you have. Although the symptoms and causes of localised attacks remain very similar amongst both types, the underlying origins of Raynauds disease and Raynaud's phenomenon are very different.
Primary or Secondary – Disease or Phenomenon?
A diagnosis of Raynauds disease or Primary Raynaud’s is given when the symptoms are idiopathic, or that they occur in isolation and are not linked to any other illness, disease or causal effect.
Primary Raynaud’s often occurs in boys and girls in their teens and young adulthood. It is thought to be partly hereditary, but as of yet the specific associated genes have not been identified.
A diagnosis of secondary Raynaud’s or Raynaud’s phenomenonis made when the symptoms are caused by a variety of triggers. Such as:
- connective tissue disorders
- systemic lupus
- erythematosus
- any of the scleroderma disorders
- arthritis
- use of certain medication such as beta-blockers or ergotamine
- carpal tunnel syndrome
However, when secondary Raynaud’s has been caused by industrial injury it can also be known as vibration white finger (VWF) or hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).
Raynaud’s phenomenon as an industrial injury
When a patient’s symptoms have no underlying medical cause, but a history of using vibrating machinery or carrying out vibrating processes has been noted then a claim for compensation may be able to be made.
YouClaim and Raynauds disease
We understand the difficulties of getting to grips with the terminology regarding Raynaud’s and however you refer to it, if it has been caused by an employment issue, we can help.
If you did not receive adequate training in the safe handling of your industrial tools or equipment, or perhaps if the machinery was not properly maintained, this could have been the cause of your injury. Maybe you were not allowed to take sufficient breaks in order to let your hands recover from use of vibrating tools and your employer failed to listen to your complaints of poor conditions, if you now suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, vibration white finger or another related condition then you may be able to make a no win no fee compensation claim.
Working on a no win, no fee basis our personal injury solicitors work to strict and exacting standards laid down by the UK Solicitors Regulation Authority. Our success rate is high and you are guaranteed to receive 100% compensation in the event of a successful claim. Call our helpline on 0800 10 757 95 or have an e-chat. If it’s not convenient right now we can call you back, or you could give us a few details about your Raynauds disease by filling in our online claim form and we will call you to discuss it further. However you contact YouClaim you can be assured we will give you the best service available.
