Raynauds and feet

[wednesday]

Hi, I am fairly new to this site. I have Raynauds but have never been officially diagnosed by a Gp, I try to manage the condition myself. What I was wondering is if it can affect the feet as I have very cold feet that feel numb when it is cold, I just wear thick socks but did wonder if it was Raynauds. Another thing, I have just changed doctors as we have moved house, should I have Raynauds confirmed with my Gp. I did mention to the nurse at the practice but she didn't comment

[Duttie]

Hello, yes Raynauds can also be in the feet, mine are like 2 blocks of ice. I have electrically heated slippers and use electrically heated insoles in the winter. Always wear thermal leggings under my trousers, if your legs are cold, your feet will be cold, and woolly socks. You probably need a blood test to see if your Raynauds is primary or secondary. Good luck.

[wednesday in reply to Duttie]

Thanks for your reply, at least I know what is causing my feet to be like ice

[mad4cavs]

My feet are affected to I would mention it to your new gp and see what they say ,they can run some bloods,put your mind at rest

[marie5454]

Yes, it's more than likely Raynauds, keep them warm, they're probably very tender on the top of the feet, mine are! You do need blood tests now and a referral to a rheumatologist, the sooner the better. Good luck with everything, hope it's just primary.

[wednesday]

Thanks Marie. I will definately go to see the gp, I thought I just had to put up with it. Didn't realise it could be a secondary

[amd21]

I also have Raynaud's & feet like ice I'm on meds which really help my hands & feet only rarely have the bad attacks. Y

You can discuss with gp when you see them.

[wednesday in reply to amd21]

Thanks I will definately mention it to doctors as this has been going on for years

[tall-tim]

Hello Wednesday,

It's important to keep your ankles warm, to prevent heat loss at a pinch point where the blood vessels are close to the outside world. I have cut unwanted socks and use the leg part as leg warmers which go discretely over my socks, which are cotton-mix sports ones bought cheap from a Factory Shop; I find that thicker ones promote sweat too much and so are prone to chilling. I wear sandals at home, even in winter, and solid walking boots fitted with NHS-prescribed orthotics for going out. Scleroderma has destroyed the fatty padding on my soles, so orthotics are vital - not elegant, but essential. I wear thin cotton socks in bed and have an extra blanket over my feet; I wear thicker socks in winter if needed. I try not to let the house temperature drop below 19 deg. c.. Hope this information is useful to you. Some people have worse Raynaud's than I do so my approach may not suit them. However, I'd advise you to be fearless about trying new approaches; be creative; find what's right for you.

Tim

[wednesday in reply to tall-tim]

Yes its important to keep the house warm, my hubby is always warm and I have told him I can't afford to get cold otherwise I have an attack. I had an op on my hand yesterday in day surgery and she commented on how cold my feet were, she thinks I may have a circulation problem as my ankle has been swollen.

[Lupiknits]

I have Secondary Raynauds, and it's gradually getting worse. Last winter was bad and it's not much better in summer ( though, at the moment, my nose is OK). When it's at it's worst I get chilled to the core. It's important to keep your core warm as well as the hands and feet. Buy your thermals now while they are cheaper! I have an extensive wardrobe of them.

[wednesday in reply to Lupiknits]

Hi I never realised you could have secondary Raynauds so I have found it very interesting coming on this site. I do have thermals, thick tog rated socks and my hubby bought me a hand warmer which keeps warm for a few hours. Thanks for your reply

[Hidden]

Yes, Raynaud's has an effect on feet, too. It can cause your nose and ears to be very cold. I wear thermals under my clothing in winter time and it helps a lot, pocket handwarmers in cold weather and in AC. I take Niacin, 500 milligrams, Twin Labs brand, three times daily, available at the Vitamin Shoppe! It will cause a feeling of warmth, so you will know it is wirking. I hope this is helpful to you. Take care of yourself.

[wednesday in reply to Hidden]

thank you for your reply. I wear thermals and my hubby bought me a hand warmer. I have some tog rated socks too but they are so thick they are only suitable with boots. I will give the Niacin a go too. Thanks again

[Hidden in reply to wednesday]

I hope you feel better. Twin Labs is the best brand of Niacin, available at the Vitamin Shoppe.

[wednesday in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I will, I prefer a good recommended brand

[Janpmat]

Try a supplement called Gingko Biloba, I buy if from Bodycare at £2.99, adter taking for a few weeks the attacks almost go away for me. Hope it works for you, good luck.

[wednesday in reply to Janpmat]

thanks for that i'll give them a go. you'll try anything if it gives you some relief

[tall-tim in reply to Janpmat]

What is the dose of Gingko? I cannot find Bodycare advertised anywhere.

[Janpmat in reply to tall-tim]

Hi, are you in the UK? Bodycare is the name of a chain that sells cut price toiletries, medicines etc. The Gingko Biloba is their own brand and is high strength, you take just one capsule per day. Hope this helps.

[wednesday in reply to Janpmat]

Yes I'm in the uk and there is a bodycare in town. Thanks