Who here loves these frigid winter temps and blustery cold winds? Three cheers for working hard to slog it out through this season with all our desperate attempts to keep warm! While I’ll never chalk winter up as my favorite season by any stretch, my disenchantment is only pronounced by a nifty condition I picked up a while back: Raynaud’s Syndrome.
If you’re not familiar with Raynaud’s Syndrome, I’ve got the scoop. If you are, I’m so sorry, friend. I know what a beast it is. I’m here to share all the hacks and tricks I’ve found along the way for not only smartly surviving the times when this disease rears its ugly head, but also how to prevent attacks in the first place. And I’m doing it all from the perspective of a mom who struggled with Raynaud’s Syndrome during that physically selfless and demanding time of life–the days of babies and young kids who required immediate hands-on attention, and lots of it.
Raynaud’s Syndrome is a beast, but we can deal with it, and here’s how!
What is Raynaud’s Syndrome?
The Raynaud’s Association explains, “If your fingertips, toes or any other extremity become painful when exposed to cold temperatures, you might be suffering from Raynaud’s phenomenon…The disease causes an interruption of blood flow to the fingers, toes, nose, and/or ears when a spasm occurs in the blood vessels of these areas…Typically, the affected area turns white, then blue, then bright red over the course of the attack…The attacks may last from minutes to hours.” If you aren’t familiar with the syndrome, pop over to this helpful site designed to raise awareness, support and understanding. You’ll find lots of super information, including causes and prevalence rates (did you know “5-10 percent of all Americans suffer from Raynaud’s” and that “women are nine times more likely to be affected”?).
Many times people will say, “Oh yes! I’ve had that too–when your fingers go numb.” I often get numb, white fingers (my circulation is poor in general), but my Raynaud’s disease is something different. With numb fingers, I feel nothing. With Raynaud’s, the pain is so acute, my fingers scream in pain. Told by several doctors that I have an extremely high pain threshold after nasty gos with a long-burst appendix and a horrific labor event of which I will spare you details, Raynaud’s pain is most assuredly the worst pain I’ve experienced in my life. The sudden onset of excruciating throbbing makes breathing hard, keeping my temper challenging at best, and use of my hand impossible.
I will ever forget the day, about ten years ago, when I first knew something was drastically wrong with my hand. We had entered a restaurant with cold air-conditioning on, and I was rather suddenly crippled with terrific pain. I had no clue what was happening and struggled madly not to cry and curse like a sailor while creating a fantastic scene in public.
That attack was the first of countless others to follow, some more mild and manageable than others, some so severe I have vomited or fallen to the floor in pain. I am fortunate in that Raynaud’s only affects my left hand ring and middle fingers. Only two fingers and that they are on my non-dominant hand! This allows me to freely use my right hand to continue many tasks of the day even when I am in the middle of a Raynaud’s attack or working hard to prevent one in my affected hand.
Since that day of my first attack, I have come a long way and have learned so much about managing this disease. To be clear, I am not a medical professional by any stretch. Medications, with varying success levels, are an option for addressing the symptoms, however, I have chosen not to pursue this route for varying personal reasons (primarily, my mother died of liver cancer a few years ago, and reasonably or not, I remain unduly wary of any medications that may tax the liver). My knowledge of Raynaud’s Syndrome is garnered only through personal experience with environmental management for over a decade, and via these means, I have sorted out a great deal in terms of functionally living with it.
Reversing a Raynaud’s Attack:
When you are in the midst of an attack, the pain accelerates rapidly, so it is essential to address any hint of symptoms immediately. As soon as I feel the first twinges of pain, I immediately do one or more of the following as able:
- Hands-down, the best way to reverse an attack is to get your hand under a stream of warm water. This is also, unfortunately, one of the least accessible solutions depending on where you are and what you are doing. If you should have access to a faucet, turn the tap on warm (not hot, as if you heat your hand too hot, you will experience a rebound attack when your hand cools after being pulled away from the water). Hold your hand downward under the stream of water with your wrist facing you so the water stream directly hits your inner wrist. Allow the water to run over your wrist as you feel the pain abate. Continue doing so until the last twinge of pain disappears. If you are unable to wait this long (remember I mentioned things like needy kiddos above?), I have hacked this fix by pulling my hand from the water and immediately wrapping it tightly in a tea towel, so as not to allow any of the heat to escape. A tad inconvenient to walk around with your hand bundled in a towel, but it does work.
- Similarly, hold your inner wrist in front of a stream of heat. This is my best fix in the car. As warm water isn’t available, but a heater is, I hold my wrist directly in front of the air vent while waiting for the blood vessels to open and resume normal flow so the pain abates. You can aid this process by massaging and squeezing your hand and fingers if you are only affected by Raynaud’s in one hand.
- Lest you’ve no access to warm water or heat, you must use your own body heat as effectively as possible. The warmest places in your body are your armpits and your inner thighs. While it isn’t publicly ideal to hang out with your hand shoved in these places, the pain is so severe, public graces tend to take a back seat. Also, aside from the squeezing and massaging of hand and fingers mentioned above, it is helpful to hold your arm downward pressed to your side while using your other hand to firmly stroke downward on your forearm, encouraging the blood flow to your fingers.
Preventing a Raynaud’s Attack:
- The easiest, simplest measure is to hold your hand close to your body. I walk with my arm tight along my side and when I am sitting down, I often sit with it tucked between my legs (politely, of course!). At night, I keep my arm straight down by my side, sleeping on that side to keep it warm. I often type with one hand, keeping my left-hand close to my body. Similary, I spend almost the entire winter with my left hand balled in a fist. Keeping the fingers close together and close to the palm keeps my affected fingers from an attack.
- If you are doing something that doesn’t allow you to keep your hand close, such as driving, cooking, or grocery shopping, a large heat pack around the neck helps tremendously. I have learned if you keep the core of your body warm and the blood flowing, you have a much better shot at preventing an attack. I no longer get manicures–having an attack while someone is painting your nails with fresh polish is awkward and painful! I now solely tend to my nails at home, with a heat pack around my neck for a pleasant experience.
- Mittens only! Your days of gloves are over. Gloves separate the fingers thus allowing for cooling. Keep your fingers snuggled together in a mitten to prevent an attack. I have a regular knitted pair and also a heavy-duty down pair for when I must be outside for long stretches. Sometimes the weather is warm enough I only need to wear one on my left hand. It might look a tad odd, but it’s all about keeping that hand toasty!
- Grab a cuppa. When working on the computer or going about my day (even when hauling the trashcans out to curb!), I often hold a cup of tea/coffee/cocoa in my affected hand. The warmth not only toasties up your fingers, but brings your core temp up a bit, which can help blood flow, thus fending off attacks.
- Dress warmly. Sounds obvious, but if you have Raynaud’s Disease, this applies to you more than others. Keep your entire body warm and the blood flowing to stave off attacks. Even when exercising, I always start off in a sweatshirt over layers. As my body warms and the threat of an attack lessens, I peel off the layers.
- Wear long long-sleeves. Sleeves that are long enough to cover at least part of your hand are super. And shirts with cut-out thumb holes are genius for keeping sleeves on your hands.
- Be aware of any decrease in temperature. It isn’t just stepping outside into cold weather; it’s leaving a warm bed in the morning, moving into a draftier part of the house, entering an air-conditioned area, or hopping in a pool during the summer heat (pool hack: I wait until I am hot, then I get in until I feel my fingers start to twinge and get out. I then wait until all pain has subsided and get back in, and my body temp now having adjusted to the cooler water does not allow Raynaud’s to re-attack my hands. Sweet! May sound complicated, but trust me–when you are desperate with young needy kids poolside, figuring out how to get in with them happily as ASAP is in everyone’s best interests!).
- Hand Warmers. I could write a book about hand warmers! I rely on these above all else to get me through the winter. I have tested and tried every imaginable type. Use these to preempt any decrease in temperature (see above). For example, before walking my kids to the bus in the morning, I pop one in my mitten and off we go, attack avoided! Hand warmers also work well tucked inside long-armed fingerless gloves or in the shirts with cut-out thumb holes mentioned above. I have also rigged up a hand-warmer holder using two wrist sweatbands (place them side-by-side on wrist and lower arm on the side of your affected hand and tuck the handwarmer inside against your wrist–a bit awkward, but it works!). All hand warmers keep their heat longer and better when inside something (i.e. sleeve, pocket, mitten). Now as to those different types of hand warmers I mentioned…
- Instant disposable hand warmers. Benefits: Last for up to 10 hours, easy to stash in multiple places (purse, vehicle, coat pockets, etc), relatively compact and flat, provide a warm, consistent heat Cons: Must continue to repurchase and can get pricey. *Money-Saving Tip: I purchased a huge bulk package of these 2 winters ago and still have some left for this winter!
- Instant gel hand warmers. Benefits: Get hot quickly, reusable. Cons: They almost become too hot (difficult to keep against skin, and chance for rebound attack when removed from hand as decrease in temperature is so drastic), and their heat lasts only for a short time.
- Rice, corn, or bean-filled fabric mini heat packs. Benefits: comfortable on skin, reusable. Cons: They don’t get very warm and only stay warm for minutes. (not terrible for quick runs to bus stop).
- Battery-powered hand-warmers. Benefits: Reusable, steady heat, able to control the heat level, long-lasting. Cons: Must recharge it, very bulky, pricey.
- Zippo hand warmers. Benefits: Far more compact than battery-powered options, reusable, steady heat, long-lasting. Cons. Must repeatedly fill with lighter fluid, tricky to keep wick functional, pricey.
Now that I’ve filled you in on all of my tips, tricks, hacks, and fixes for preventing a Raynaud’s attack and surviving one when it does happen, please tell me yours! This disease is often misunderstood and not discussed. I’m thankful for all we can do to help each other, raising support and awareness.
After battling Raynaud’s Syndrome for over ten years, I am convinced that it is manageable. In those early days with young kids both requiring a tight handhold across icy grocery store parking lots, the pain was often so severe and frequent I felt entirely defeated. But now, after figuring out how best to ward off pain, I feel far more empowered and able to handle the winter threat Raynaud’s poses. That’s not to say, however, that I will ever enjoy this crazy winter chill!
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Janine Huldie says
I have never heard of this in all honesty. But definitely sounds like it can be quite painful. Truly appreciate you sharing your experience and tips, too for those who may also suffer and be in need. Thanks Meredith!
Meredith says
Thanks for taking the time to read and help spread the word, Janine!
Heidi says
Really amazing tips! I have a family member who suffers with Raynaud’s and I’ll be sure to pass them along!
Meredith says
Thanks for sharing, Heidi! I hope it helps them!
Kathy Radigan says
I have a dear friend who has suffered with this for years. Thanks for the great tips!
Meredith says
You are kind to pass this on to her–thank you!
Anne says
Wow Meredith, I had no idea that you suffered with this! It seems so tough and yet you seem to handle it so gracefully. I have a friend with it and I’ll pass on your tips to her.
Meredith says
Not grace at all–just lots of trial and error 😉 Thanks for passing this on!
Dawn says
Great pool hack idea.
Meredith says
You know important the pool is 😉
Dawn Decker Koller says
Thank you for sharing and spreading great tips.
Meredith says
Thanks for reading and supporting, Dawn!
JD @ Honest Mom says
This is so helpful! I don’t think I actually have Raynaud’s Syndrome – I lose circulation in my fingers and toes and they go numb and tingle and mildly hurt – but all these tips will definitely help me. Thanks so much!!!
Meredith says
That’s a super point, JD. Even if you don’t have Raynaud’s, these tips will help prevent and fix numbness in extremities in general! Thanks for noting this and hope it helps!
Julie Crosson says
Such a great post. Thank you! I have had this for years and my flare up’s seem to be getting progressively worse. Drinking cold water will even bring it on. My fingers turn ghastly white and stay that way until I run warm water or heat them from my body as you describe. I’ve researched everywhere for more info! Im going to try your tips, heating the wrist is a new one which I will try. While it is incredibly uncomfortable and somewhat painful, I haven’t experienced excruciating pain like you describe. I’m wondering if mine will eventually turn more painful… did u experience this?
Meredith says
Maybe not! So, I think there are 3 components of attacks: severity, frequency and length. While the severity of mine hasn’t altered, the frequency and length have both increased over time. I am obviously not a medical professional so have no professional standing, but in my experience, everyone is affected differently. If your attacks are not painful, maybe they will never be? Also, definitely give the wrist a go–that is where all the veins to your fingers convene, so makes sense to start there as a point to feed warmth. Let me know how you make out!
Cathy White says
One hack I was told years ago was if you get an attack in a grocery store, head to the rotisserie chickens! Either placing your hands under the warmers or carrying around a chicken while you shop (and ultimately purchasing it) helps warm those fingers quickly. And you are correct about keeping your neck warm. I have fewer issues if I have a scarf around my neck.
Meredith says
This is such a great idea, Cathy! Thanks for sharing. The grocery store is one of the worst places for my symptoms, so I’m trying this next I go!
Haldjapiiga says
I have a question. How on earth you manage buttons, these on clothes? Or fork and knives?
In very cold days I use 2 pair of gloves. Linen and woolen gloves and miniver muff top.
Meredith says
You are smart to bundle up! But you are right, so tricky to manage things like button, zippers, devices, etc. when you have a bunch on. That’s why I think it works far better to try and heat your core and/or wrist to keep the blood flowing. If you can manage your Raynaud’s well this way, it makes it more possible for you to pull off mittens/gloves so you can use your fingers as needed. Hope this helps!
Haldjapiiga says
For wrists, inner part I use heating cremes and gauze for wrapping + long sleeves. Helps to keep away pain, but it dosnt make fingers work.
I have bouth hands affected so I search around internet to find options and possibilities. Thank you
Meredith says
Gracious, Haldjapiiga, you do have a most serious case! I am sorry to hear you struggle so. Thanks for sharing the tip about the heating creams!
Amy says
I started with only a couple of fingers on my right hand about 20yrs ago. I had no idea what it was. Recently, (the last 2 yrs) I have been dealing with both hands and arms along with my right leg. It’s extremely painful. Any temperature below 60 degrees will trigger a flare up for me. I also discovered that stressful situations will cause it as well.
Meredith says
Amy, I have heard this about stress. I should pay more attention. I always attribute mine to the cold, but wondering now if stress compounds the pain. Thanks for sharing this–and I am so sorry you are suffering too 🙁
Amelie says
I’m glad to see someone talking about the issue. It gets really annoying to have to explain it all the time and say that it’s not just numb like you said. I have been extremely unlucky when it comes to raynaulds. I was diagnosed when I was three after I threw up on my dad while making a snowman 😬. I have it in both hands up to half way up my arm, my feet and ankles and my nose. I get it from everything: hot water bottles, showers (the wooorrsstt, even tempos ones ) and wearing to thick/ thin socks. It doesn’t help that I do four hours of dance classes everyday in the week and I have to dance barefoot. No one seems to understand how painful it can be!! I’m only twelve but no snowball fights for me 😩
Meredith says
Amelie, poor you! To have this so young and from such a young age! I am sorry to hear this. Good night! And when you are so active too. Praying you can find solutions that work for you.
Lorraine says
Good luck, Amelie! Sorry to hear of your pain!
MJ Cutsinger says
Ms. Meredith,
Thank you so much for taking the time of writing this wonderful little piece of sanity saving information. My wife has recently been diagnosed with Raynauds in her feet and so far her pointer & middle finger of her right hand. She work’s as a medical scribe in a very busy doctor’s office as well as deals with stress in a I can handle it all by myself type of way. To top it off, she has always been cold intolerant in both her feet & hands. Finding your blog actually gave me a better understanding as a spouse and also gave me some tips to share with her… Thanks again,,.
MJ
Meredith says
Oh good, MJ, I do hope this helps. I’m so sorry she has to go through this–so awful, I know! Go you for caring and supporting her 🙂
Amelie says
Oh and use BALMOSA CREAM. It burns for two minutes but then the redness and swelling goes away. It doesn’t heat though….
Meredith says
Super tip! Thanks for sharing, Amelie!
Lorraine says
Hi Meredith! Good tips- I will keep your ideas in mind. I am 45 & just recently started having my fingers go numb & turn ghost white, with the exception of once about 20 years ago. So far it has happened with 2 fingers on right hand & 1 on left, sometimes together, but usually only 1 or 2 fingers at a time. It is definitely uncomfortable & a little creepy & scary, but I guess I am lucky that (so far) it has not been terribly painful, as so many have posted. It seems to be similar to Julie who posted on 1/9/18 & Amy on 3/5/18. A lot of times in stressful situations my hands will get very cold, even before they started turning white. Now I am careful to carry gloves or mittens for unexpected cold situations.
Meredith says
Ugh, Lorraine–I’m sorry this has become a problem for you 🙁 If it does continue, I know you will figure out how to best manage with time as you get used to it and sort what works for you. Thanks for checking in and take care of yourself!
Lorraine says
Also, you asked for suggestions. As far as handwarmers, I have 2. On my desk I have an electronic outlet plug in hand warmer pad (like a heating pad for your back, but with pockets for your hands). You could also use the regular type heating pad, why not? It’s warm! Also there is a USB rechargeable hand warmer you can put in mittens or pockets with you hand. It is small, about 2″x3″ and maybe 1/2″ thick. It’s not expensive either. Since mittens are such a big pain in the neck bc u can’t use u our fingers, I have also found that the gloves with 1/2 fingers & a mitten flap to go over the ends of your fingers are helpful. They are mittens to keep fingers warm but u can quickly get your fingers out without taking the whole thing off just to use a phone or anything that needs fingers & it keeps the rest of your hand warm while fingers are out. Sometimes I just poke out my index finger. Google fingerless gloves with mitten flap for a picture. Some are kind of pricy online, but I have bought thin ones in Dollar stores & discount stores & they work good enough for at my desk or driving or just to carry with me.
Meredith says
Wow, Lorraine! Thanks for sharing all these tips! Do send the link to the hand warmer pad–that sounds super! And I have the USB portable one, but have never tried the mitten/glove combo you described. I have seen them, but always thought they would separate my fingers too much. But that is such a smart idea to only poke one finger out as need–these mittens would give you that option. Thanks for this idea!
Melanie says
Fingerless gloves don’t have to be pricey. There are ways to make them from the arms of old sweaters.. decorate with ribbons, buttons or cute stitching… have to take care of yourself. I have raynauds in hands, feet and legs. I have a terrible time getting warm. I keep blankets in my car for my legs just because it helps. I sleep on a sherpa blanket bc I wake up in pain if I don’t.
Mari says
Thanks for bringing awareness to raynaulds. I have always been someone who runs cold. I was diagnosed two years ago. It started with one finger and now it’s both hands, 10 fingers. It seems to get progressively worse. The wind blows and my fingers change colors. My hands are now always on the red side. Luckily, I don’t experience a lot of pain and the attacks while frequent don’t last very long. Shirts with thumb holes are great as are mittens. Best of luck and thanks so much for sharing.
Meredith says
Mari, sorry you are in these shoes too! Glad the pain isn’t too bad and that you have shirts that help you. Thanks for checking in here!
Elena says
I think I have this in my feet. I don’t feel pain but my feet turn purplish gray quite often and they’re kinda cool most of the time
Meredith says
Definitely sounds like it, Elena! Hope you find some relief as the weather heats up!
Jo says
Thank you so much for this post. My 10 year old was recently diagnosed and we are slowly learning what does and doesn’t work for her. Today was a particularly bad day and I wish I’d seen this post earlier.
Meredith says
Jo, I am so sorry she is struggling. It’s such a hard thing, I know. I really hope she is able to sort some tricks that work for her!
Katie says
I have struggled with this all my life. It was not diagnosed until I was 16. It was the beginning of fall and the temperature was not very cold but I was going through a lot of stress in my like. I was at a group one evening when I noticed my hands where staring to get very stiff, not cold but clammy to the touch. As the evening went on I was watching my hands turn different shades of white,blue, and purple. When the group was over I tried everything I could think of to get my hands back to there normal colour, even wrapping them in a heating pad and blankets for a half hour. My hands just seemed to get darker and darker. Then I went to the ER to have it checked out their first thought was frostbite because of how dark they were. After multiple tests they told me that I had Raynauds and that my hands should return to normal colour within a few hours to days. Then told me from now on to keep a close eye on my circulation. Around the same time my doctor was testing me for autoimmune disorders, specifically looking for lupus. I later found out that Raynauds is one of many signs / symptoms of lupus. It is still not clear what autoimmune disorder I have, just that I have one. The best ways I have found to manage my Raynauds is to constantly keep moving my fingers and toes and it helps me is to play with something I can squeeze, like a stress ball, to promote good circulation. But I find it very difficult to keep my feet warm because any socks I have ever tried limit my circulation. Hoping to find a solution for my feet because it causes me to feel like I am stepping on pins and needing.
Meredith says
Oh gosh, Katie! What a horrid first experience! That sounds so scary and awful. I appreciate you sharing this to help inform others of what it can look like. So glad you have found some things that work for you–the stress ball is a super idea! And I had never heard of the connection to an autoimmune disease before–so interesting. Praying you can find a good solution for those feet–that must be such a challenge! Thanks for checking in here 🙂
Carol says
Have you been tested for Scleroderma?
Most people with Scleroderma has Reynaulds
Meredith says
No, I never have! Will have to look into this–have never heard of it. Thanks, Carol!
Caroline Goldstein says
Hi Meredith,
Carol is right that most people with scleroderma have Raynaud’s but the reverse is thankfully not true: most people with Raynaud’s do not have scleroderma. I think the figure is around 0.1%.
I loved your article but was wondering about something. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but mum-to-mom, just between you, me and the internet, have you come across Raynaud’s of the nipple? I’m asking because I found your blog while researching nipple Raynaud’s as a cause of stopping breastfeeding for a paper I’m writing. If you don’t know already, then imagine the pain you describe in your fingers, but in your boobs every time you feed your baby… Here’s my story if you’d like to know more: https://www.sruk.co.uk/find-support/personal-stories/carolines-story/
Stay warm!
Caroline
Denise says
Hi Katie and Meredith. My Raynaud’s is the R in CREST , an autoimmune condition You should ask your doctor to test you for that, the test is called FAN. Fortunately I have not developed the other four diseases in CREST… Hope yours is only Raynaud’s!
My hack is adding hot water to a small glass jar (saved after I used its contents) and holding it as I head out. If I am driving I put it between my thighs and hold it when stopped at traffic lights 😉 i have it in all 10 fingers and soles if both feet
Cheers!
Meredith says
Wow, Denise! This is good to know–I had no idea about CREST. And I like the hot water in a jar tip–great idea. Thanks so much for sharing this, Denise, and I hope your pain is manageable this winter.
Vanessa says
Meredith I’m curious what you do if and when you get skin ulcers. I’ve been battling Raynaud’s for 8 years and within the last very stressful year, my skin ulcers have increased. They are quite painful. Do you use the medication for Raynaud’s or have you tried the injections of Botox in the hands? I’m in Ky and I’m thinking moving further south would even be in my best interests. My fingertips hurt horribly during and after an attack. I massage my arm, my hands and try push blood into my extremities.
Meredith says
Oh Vanessa, you poor thing! I am so sorry to hear you are struggling so much with this to consider moving! I don’t use the medication and have never even heard of using Botox to treat! Good to know there are these medical options. I have also never gotten skin ulcers. Is this an autoimmune symptom? I am so sorry you are struggling so much!
Anonymous says
Ulcers happen with reynaulds when it gets bad. I have recently had Botox injections in my right hand due to severe attacks. It helped a lot. The pain is bad yes. But out of control reynaulds will cause ulcers and can eventually lead to gangrene and amputation so it’s best to be closely followed by a Dr who knows about the condition
Meredith says
Super point–doctors will know best how to handle and address, for sure!
Rox says
Great tips here Meredith, thanks!
I researched for years, including completeing a nurtrition paper through Cornell University, and my extensive research suggested strongly that diet may play a HUGE part. I had nothing to lose, so I tried it.
Now I’m in ‘Lupus remission’!
I’ve suffered Raynauds since a teenager, and then came the Lupus facial butterfly rash shortly after that. A few years later, and the Lupus aching started. I had one positive test for Lupus, but you need two for a true diagnosis. Because I get the butterfly rash, and Raynauds in both hands and both feet, it’s very likely I have Lupus.
My discovery?
*Whole Foods Plant Based Diet* AMAZING!!
My Raynauds (and Lupus!) has improved out of sight. My toes no longer go completely black in a warm shower. My hands last longer in the snow. The pain has improved considerably. And I have so much more energy and a renewed passion for life.
It’s not completely resolved and I still need to treat it respectfully, but put it this way…. I have never been able to get that second positive ANA blood test! Yay!!
Whole Foods Plant Based. For life 🌱
When I break it eg. any accidental animal products, or eating too many French fries (my Kryptonite!), OMG – the aching is excruciating and the circulation goes out the window 😨 so I get back on the wagon and it’s gone again within a couple of days.
I never want to get that second positive test.
Definitely worth trying for a month of your life.
What have you got to lose?
Rox 🙂
‘Legally Blonde Vegan’
Meredith says
Rox, this is super interesting! I never really considered the diet component before. Go you for being so proactive and taking such positive charge of your health, and thanks for sharing this! I will definitely look more into this. And the Lupus connection is fascinating too!
Afrim Morina says
Hey Meredith you are a geniues Thank youu sooo muchhhh. You saved my life. I started having this French syndrome this year didnt know what to do.
Meredith says
Afrim, I am so glad this helped! It’s such a beastly, horrid thing to grapple with, I know. Hope you can get some control over it and feel better soon!
Tamika says
Meredith,
I have been suffering with Raynaud’s for 5 months and it is proceeding to get worse rapidly. My Raynaud’s affect my feet especially my big toes but are now trickling down to my toes. I went to the Rheumatologist and she told me to just seek warming measures which is very difficult with your feet. I wear very warm socks and Ugg boots to no avail. I also purchased the feet warmers from hot hands, however after the attacks pass, they become too warm almost burning. I am going to try your suggestion of keep my neck and core warm. This is such an ugly disease and I think you for bringing awareness it!
Meredith says
Ah, Tamika, sorry you have such a struggle! I hope some of these tricks work for you. It’s a horrid thing to deal with, I know. Keep us posted, and Godspeed!
Miss M McDonagh says
Your tips are great i was just diagnosed in February. it was really bad I couldn’t move both hands but I found out I have joint hypermobility aswell that doesn’t help as the cold makes it worse too
Meredith says
Oh gosh, Miss M. I am so sorry to hear this! Winter must be so difficult. I hope you find some things that work for you and can get some relief!
Miss M McDonagh says
Your tips are great definitely giving it a try i was just diagnosed in February. it was really bad I couldn’t move both hands but I found out I have joint hypermobility aswell that doesn’t help as the cold makes it worse too as my both hands and fingers a always sore as I loved to go snow boarding but have to give it up
Meredith says
I am so sorry, Miss M. That is so hard. I will be praying you find solutions that help get you through, and maybe help you even return to the activities you used to enjoy! It stinks, I know!
Mrs. María Totres says
I have a great problem- i have this monster disease on both hands and legs.I get desperate with the horrible pain on both hands.I thank you so much for your information on this app- today ice been looking like crazy for information on Raynauds to see what I can do and find to help me- i’ve had it before, but these days are my worst- Thaks for the good ideas I can also try.Sure hope Drs. learn more about this desease- it is really bad to stand these horrible pains.Is there any home remedy one can take by mouth to get to our circulatory system that can help alleviate these pains? Thanks for sharing your experience– María Torres.
Meredith says
Maria, I am so sorry you are suffering so! Go you for being proactive and doing what you can to alleviate the pain. I don’t know of any medication that helps, but please let me know if you find something, and I am praying you get some relief soon!
Charles says
Im not a women but i have a wife and kids and thought some of these things may help. I am 40yrs old. When I was in my teens I started noticing my hands changing colors in outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. I have raynauds that I was diagnosed with about 12yrs ago after many trips to so many different doctor, when a new family doctor finally told me I think u have raynauds and I’m going to send you to a arthritis specialist. Sure enough that was what i was diagnosed with raynauds! It was a relief to finally find out what I had but I’m still trying to find different ways to deal with it! I get on my left foot a couple of my toes starts getting sores in the winter months but they finally go away as it gets warmer. Some of the things my doctor has told me that may help and some has is cutting back on caffeine, less stress, no smoking, exercise, and he likes for me to take a low dose of blood pressure med. thru cold months. I don’t smoke but all these these things seems to help! Ive tried a lot of the tips you girls have mention above and they have help me especially running warm water if possible but I have an outdoor job and it’s hard to do that sometimes so I use foot warmers and hand warmers. This is a disease you don’t hear much about and its good to hear from some that has it and different ideas that help! GOD is Good and can help us go through these difficult times!
Meredith says
Hi Charles! Raynauds is definitely a struggle for both men and women. I am so sorry you suffer from this, especially with working outside–how challenging! Thanks for sharing these tips from your doctor. Very good to know. I hope you continue to get some relief with the things you have tried, and you are so right–God is always there to give us strength for our battles!
Cindy says
Hi, was just diagnosed with raynaud’s disease. I wanted to hear about other people’s symptoms so thank you for your website. I have always had cold hands. My hands and fingers do not tingle nor are they painful in cold weather. It’s winter right now and my symptoms are I get small red lumps on my fingers. It affects my left hand first, primarily the ring and middle fingers. The bumps are irritating if touched. Then there is swelling to the point of I can not bend my fingers. Only a steroid reduces the inflammation. Currently the tip of my middle finger is red, swollen, hot and irritated then it is bluish underneath. My fingers only get this way after a extremely busy day and days of picking up groceries for 8 hours a day. I work for a grocery store that offers online shopping and pickup at the store. I’m definitely using my fingers a lot. My symptoms are strange, not exactly raynaud’s but I don’t know. Hopefully you’ve heard of symptoms like mine? Thanks
Meredith says
Thanks for checking in, Cindy! I can’t say that I’m familiar with your particular symptoms, but I’m so glad you checked in with doctor to get diagnosed so you can learn more about what is happening! It sounds like you have such a tough job for your symptoms, and I’m so sorry you are struggling! I’ll be praying you find relief, and please do check in if you sort anything!
Kendra DeJean says
Hi Meredith. Thank you for the article. I am 51 and just a couple of months ago, both my hands and feet got cold then they turned bright white and blue. There is definitely tingling and it is uncomfortable but I don’t have the pain you do. (By the way, that sounds awful. I hope you find some relief from that someday.) The tingling sometimes makes me feel like I am going to fall when I walk. My Neurologist suggested that I probably had Raynaud’s. I think he is probably right. I now have both hot flashes and then this when I get too cold. It’s very odd but I am glad to know others have the same issues and are dealing with it without medication. Thank you again for sharing!
Meredith says
Isn’t it such a mess, Kendra? I’m sorry you are dealing with this! Thanks for checking in and sharing–so helpful to know other’s experience!
April says
Anyone else notice their symptoms increase with scary movies?
I’ve been dealing with it for at least 30 years. It used to be just 2 fingers, and when I was desperate enough, I would stick them in my mouth to warm them up! Now its both hands, both feet, nose, ears and sometimes both legs (the cramps in my thighs and calves are the worst pain I’ve ever had- and I had a cut on my cornea and my spinal wore off during my c-section).
I live in Chicago, so I’m always looking for new ways to stay warm in the winter. Amazon carries furry Bluetooth earmuffs and a rechargeable heated vest. I wear the thin stretchy gloves, hand warmers, then woolen mittens on top. I haven’t found a solution yet for my feet.
Meredith says
Oh April, you are struggling! I haven’t noticed the scary movie bit (because I never watch them!), but makes sense because of how stress can be a trigger. I am sorry to hear how much it is spreading for you. I know I have seen toe warmers before. Maybe Google them to see where it leads you? Hoping you can find relief somehow soon!
Denise Schroder says
Hi Meredith thank you for all the great tips! I am sorry to hear your attacks are so painful! Mine are not too bad..
As I mentioned to Katie above Raynaud’s can be a problem alone or it can be part of an autoimmune disease called CREST, where each letter stands for a different disease. People should keep this in mind and be tested for it. I have the R and I am starting to develop the E in CREST.. 🙁
All the best to you all!
Meredith says
This is such great information, Denise. So appreciate you checking in with this!
Lorie says
My doctor told me I have Raynauds. He was certain of it because both he and his wife have it. He said just to keep warm, wear gloves, I feel like my case is mild so far compared with most people who have shared what they go through. I’m able to deal with my fingers. One thing though is concerning me. I don’t really notice numbness in my toes, but recently the tips of my toes on both feet got sore while wearing shoes that I have been wearing that are well broken in and always have been very comfortable. I put cotton into the shoes and that made them more comfortable. On the affected toes the tips turned almost black….a deep purple and crusted over almost like a scab. If I press them they still feel sore, so I am not messing with them. Anyone have this happen? Any suggestions for me from anyone? Tyia, Lorie
Meredith says
Hi Lorie, I have never had this happen. Sounds painful! Wish I had advice for you. What did your doctor say about this? Hoping you can figure something out soon!
Izzy says
I have it bad and whenever I go warm again or run my hands under warm water they turn white and yellow and hurt more than ever also coats don’t work as they turn orange, I struggle with Raynaud’s but I get through it with pain, people do not understand how hard it is.
Meredith says
Oh Izzy, this sounds terrible! I am so sorry. And no, people who don’t have this don’t get how debilitating it can be. Have you found anything that works well for you?
Karen Geise says
Do you known of any gloves for children with this disorder? I have two young grandchildren you suffer from this.
Thank you
Karen
Meredith says
Hi Karen, I don’t know of any gloves specifically for children. I know that for me, mittens work far, far better at maintaining warmth. I have also seen some heated gloves on the market. Maybe worth a try? Let me know if you find a solution!