Vibration White Finger: Treatment & Prevention

So, you have been diagnosed with Vibration White Finger, or fear you might develop it, and it is time to look at treatments. Vibration White Finger is a cumulative disorder. There is no cure once you have developed it. However the same measures you can take to prevent the disorder can help reduce the frequency and duration of white finger episodes. Other symptomatic treatments can ease your suffering as well.

Cause of Vibration White Finger

Vibration white finger is a repetitive stress injury caused by exposure of the hands to vibrating equipment. The cause should be easy to determine.

Episodes of vascular spasms that cause the white finger are usually triggered by exposure to cold or by contact to cold surfaces. Controlling the triggering cause can go a long way to reducing symptoms.

Prevention

If you use vibrating equipment on a regular basis you are at risk for developing vibration white finger. There are some preventative measures you can take to ward of this syndrome.

• Use sound ergonomic equipment that reduce vibration transference to the hands.
  
• Use vibration absorbing gloves or pads. Gel padding is better than foam padding for protecting against vibration.
  
• Hold equipment loosely.
  
• Work in short durations with frequent breaks. Take at least one 10 minute break every hour.
  
• Keep hands warm to keep blood flowing.
  
• Avoid smoking or other drugs or substances that inhibit blood flow.

Maintain a Healthy Body

You need to stay healthy and fit. Maintain a healthy weight. Strong bodies are more resilient against the stressors that cause vibration white finger.

Maintain good cardiovascular health. Good blood flow to the hands is crucial.

Treatment

All though vibration white finger has no known cure there are several treatments that can alleviate the symptoms.

• Stop using vibrating equipment. Vibration white finger is a cumulative disorder. The more you vibrate, the worse it will get.
  
• Stop smoking and use of tobacco products. Tobacco makes the disorder worse.
  
• Caffeine, cocaine and amphetamines can trigger bouts of vibration white finger. Remove these from your diet.
  
• Some prescription and over the counter drugs and supplements may trigger bouts as well. Discuss possible drug interactions with your health care provider.
  
• Stay warm and avoid cold triggers.
  
• Exercise your hands and body to improve circulations.
  
• When a bout occurs warm the hands as fast as possible.
  
• Medication - some medications do provide some effectiveness in treating vibration white finger.

References: 1. MedicineNet. Definition of Vibration white finger. Retrieved August 21, 2006.
2. Patient UK. Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome. Retrieved August 21, 2006.