Raynaud's Syndrome?

I just started running, but symptoms from my Raynaud's Syndrome can make it extremely painful for my hands and feet, especially during the winter.

Does anyone have the same problem and possible solutions?

Replies

  • bathsheba_c
    bathsheba_c Posts: 1,873 Member
    bump

    The only thing I can think of are glove liners and sock liners. The silk ones are the warmest.
  • Hogscliffe
    Hogscliffe Posts: 31 Member
    Hi you could try some stretching before to try and aid your circulation then wear gloves with gel heaters maybe. hope this could help.
  • onyx1972
    onyx1972 Posts: 133 Member
    Hi, my fingers and toes go numb with the prickly sensations... I tend to ignore it (I was just diagnosed so I didn't know I had it) however my Dr said that underarmor has gloves and socks made of that material that wicks moisture away from skin that would be a good idea..she also said for me (not for everyone) that she suggested I try to limit my outdoor runs/walks to days that were at least 30 degrees with very little wind chills to minimize my risks.. Hope that helps..
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    See your doctor - what treatment do you take?

    Hydration, various vasodialtors can be prescribed, etc...
    Gloves, liners and layers might help.

    In college, gf was on the pill as a treatment option. Discuss with your GP or specialist.
  • See your doctor - what treatment do you take?

    Hydration, various vasodialtors can be prescribed, etc...
    Gloves, liners and layers might help.

    In college, gf was on the pill as a treatment option. Discuss with your GP or specialist.

    I take a vasodilator and I'm on the pill, which seems to help, but I have a more severe form of Raynaud's so it still makes my runs/walks painful after 20 minutes or so.
  • MightyDomo
    MightyDomo Posts: 1,265 Member
    I think you should limit the running in colder weather, circulation issues with added cold would probably be what is leading to the pain.

    When I was in flare (for my undiagnosed AI Disorder) I used to get distorted vision and when I stopped working out in a hot environment during flare it had helped a lot. Just as an example.
  • Docmahi
    Docmahi Posts: 1,603 Member
    You should probably limit your running in cold weather - if you are already taking a vasodilator, then i presume that you have it under control and it just flares up when you are exercising.

    probably not the answer you want, just my 2 cents
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    See your doctor - what treatment do you take?

    Hydration, various vasodialtors can be prescribed, etc...
    Gloves, liners and layers might help.

    In college, gf was on the pill as a treatment option. Discuss with your GP or specialist.

    I take a vasodilator and I'm on the pill, which seems to help, but I have a more severe form of Raynaud's so it still makes my runs/walks painful after 20 minutes or so.

    Does hydration impact it all? If it is severe, continue to discuss with your doctor and complain - it's the only way to get the info across. if you are seeing attacks even with 20 minute walks discuss further - the long term tissue damage risks require that you be proactive to prevent them.
  • Weighinginwithmy02
    Weighinginwithmy02 Posts: 369 Member
    I just started running, but symptoms from my Raynaud's Syndrome can make it extremely painful for my hands and feet, especially during the winter.

    Does anyone have the same problem and possible solutions?

    It seems like running just may not be the right activity for you, as it seems that it can be fairly detrimental to your health. Since you've only just started, maybe try a few other activities and see if they would be of interest to you. Spinning, bike riding, swimming, dancing... just not running and not outside.
  • healthy_fit_me
    healthy_fit_me Posts: 14 Member
    I am also bothered by Raynauds but unfortunately I havent found anything that works for winter. I was forced to join a gym becuase I can't be outside for long periods of time. I hate to share my experience, but at least you know you are not alone. Maybe can try indoor exercises like P90X until the warmer weather returns.
  • mpf1
    mpf1 Posts: 1,437 Member
    bump
  • JoolieW68
    JoolieW68 Posts: 1,879 Member
    The only suggestion I have for your hands is to get some thicker gloves. I had some gloves I used shoveling snow (2 pair at the same time, actually) and my fingers got so cold and hurt so bad I couldn't finish the driveway. My husband had a pair of gloves that I tried and they kept my hands and fingers toasty warm. I think the difference is that they are not tight on my fingers and may have some down or something in them (they feel 'puffy'). Allows the heat to stay inside the glove.
  • zenchild
    zenchild Posts: 680 Member
    I have a mild case. My fingers and toes turn white and get so cold they hurt and my nails have deep ridges but nothing turns blue. If it gets really bad my doctor will prescribe a very mild blood pressure medication to help dilate my veins a bit. I also take a baby aspirin every day for my heart and my circulation. The biggest thing for me is insulation. If I can keep the little heat I have trapped next to my skin, it will eventually warm up. Having something warm to put my icy extremities on is also nice but during the winter my dogs won't go anywhere near my feet. They start sleeping behind my thighs where they're safe. I tell them it's dereliction of duty but they don't listen. My husband will hold my hands to warm them but won't let me put my feet on him for more than a minute or two.
    The only thing that has helped my feet has been really fluffy slippers (wool inside, leather outside). They wouldn't be good for running but the basic idea might help. Do you have an REI near you? Or a running store? You might be able to get a size or two larger shoe and have room for some really insulating socks. You don't want to do fluffy socks with your regular shoes because they would cramp your feet and further reduce circulation. I suggested REI because their employees have always been very helpful and knowledgeable.
    For your hands, maybe gloves with mittens on top. I do that when I'm hiking in cold weather. The extra layer of insulation makes a big difference. I know mittens aren't the most attractive option but they do help when regular gloves aren't enough.