Vibration White Finger is a repetitive stress injury where the small blood vessels in the fingers periodically spasm. The spams cause constriction of the blood supply to the fingertips turning the fingers white. Soon after, the available oxygen in the blood is used up and the fingers turn blue. Once the spasms subside the fingers turn red as oxygenated blood returns to the finger tips.
Vibration White Finger is a form of Raynaud's Phenomenon. These spams can be caused by many different things. When spasms occur due to physiological issues or drugs it is known as Raynaud's Disease. When it is caused by trauma it is known as Raynaud's Phenomenon.
Vibration White Finger is also the vascular component of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome, a more encompassing repetitive stress injury diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of Vibration White Finger?
Fingers turning white, then blue, then red are characteristic of Vibration White Finger. However the full color spectrum does not need to be achieved to have vibration white finger.
Spasms are usually brought on by exposure or contact to cold. Pain, tingling, and numbness usually occurs during the spasms. Warming the hand back up will ease the spasms.
Vibration White Finger is a cumulative disorder. If the cause continues to be present then the phenomenon worsens. This is typically characterized by more frequent bouts, more discomfort during bouts, longer bouts, and less of a trigger (cold exposure) necessary to cause a bout.
How do I know if I have Vibration White Finger?
Having white fingers is a good sign you may have vibration white finger, especially if it starts by exposure to cold.
Use of vibrating equipment and power tools is the primary cause of Vibration White Finger. Some of the main culprits are: pneumatic drills, jack hammers, sanders, concrete vibrators, chainsaws, compactors and lawn mowers.
References
1. MedicineNet. Definition of Vibration white finger. Retrieved August 21, 2006.
2. Patient UK. Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome. Retrieved August 21, 2006.
