How do you keep your feet warm to mitigate the effects of Raynaud's?

[Rollcage]

When I'm at home, I've recently started using a hair dryer to quickly restore the circulation to my feet during a Raynaud's attack.

I find the concentrated heat helps to reduce the damage and the pain I'd feel if I were to let the circulation return naturally.

But I can't use a hair dryer all the time (eg when I'm outside), so I was wondering how do you keep your feet warm when you don't have access to a heat source?

Feel free to share your suggestions.

[Mylreaclairelee]

I have just discovered insoles with rechargeable batteries and a keyring remote to change the temp for the 3 settings. Amazing. Battery lasts anywhere from 2-3 hours depending on which setting you use.

[Rollcage in reply to Mylreaclairelee]

Hi. Thanks for your suggestion. It's the first time I've heard of heated insoles. I shall look into it.

[77lindy in reply to Mylreaclairelee]

Hi I am intrigued , where did you get these from ? Lindy

[Sharonmcallister in reply to 77lindy]

I got my heated insoles from amazon, takes the batteries 2-3 hours charging n lasts for up to 4hrs use. They r fantastic! Highly recommended.

[77lindy in reply to Sharonmcallister]

Thanks Sharon I will have a look merry Christmas x

[Sharonmcallister in reply to 77lindy]

Merry Christmas to u as well n keep those tootsies warm! X

[Risanas in reply to Mylreaclairelee]

I also use these!! they are brilliant on my long boots , and fantastic in the winter. The battery life could be better! I need it all day really. I also at work have a heater under my desk.

[Hidden]

I keep my body warmer; if my core is toasty I don’t get raynauds attacks. The poor circulation coldness I keep warm with cashmere (nothing is as warm) socks and gloves. Layering socks works too. I got some of those heated shoes but I find them far too clunky and heavy to be practical.

[Rollcage in reply to Hidden]

This [keeping my core warmer] is what I've been trying to focus on in recent months. I hadn't considered cashmere - I've just been using regular cotton socks.

[Jensue]

I find that wearing shoes with a good sole helps along with wearing cashmere fine socks then a boot with decent lining. Keeping your core temperature up by wearing good quality down body warmers & jackets are excellent, use lots of layering rather than one thick one is much better.

[Rollcage in reply to Jensue]

Thanks for replying. I've recently started layering more often, particularly when I'm outside. It can feel restrictive at times, but I suppose it's better than sitting through a Raynaud's attack.

[shedridc]

UGG boots work really great.

[goodymommy in reply to shedridc]

You got that right !

[Mylreaclairelee]

Insoles are Warmawear brand from warmawear.com. it is a uk site. They weren't cheap nut so good.

[tall-tim]

I find that it is essential to keep my ankles warm, and to have footwear (cotton sports socks under boots or robust sandals) that does not encourage sweat to build up. I make my own ankle warmers that fit over the top of my socks by cutting off the cuffs of old socks. I imagine that long socks rolled down round the ankle might work well. I can't get on with low-cut shoes; breathing leather boots are best. I wear them with special NHS orthotic insoles because the padding on my feet is perished thanks to the disease.

Keeping legs warm is vital, as much heat is lost through them. Trousers of thick corduroy or moleskin / brushed cotton trousers are good. Also fleece-lined trousers, obtainable from outdoor shops, if you plan to be out walking in winter for any length of time.

As other people have observed, keeping body core temperature up is important. I wear a double layer of thermal vests (short-sleeve under long-sleeve) as my base layer.

[Rollcage in reply to tall-tim]

Thanks for the tips tall-tim, certainly gives me some strategies to think about.

[tall-tim in reply to Rollcage]

Yes, strategies for working out one's own approach through trial and error. I know people have much worse symptoms than me, so i can only speak from my own experience. Treatment is - as yet - an imprecise art.

[Hidden]

I think the best thing for everyone struggling with Raynaud's syndrome is to take Niacin to dilate your blood vessels. Take 500 mgs at least three times a day; I take it five times daily. Twin Labs brand is the best one. It is available at the Vitamin Shoppe. Please read the book, "Niacin, the Real Story" to get the facts on Niacin.

[foxglove in reply to Hidden]

Does the Twin labs brand of niacin cause hot flushes ? (most brands seem to do) and I can't tolerate this

[Hidden in reply to foxglove]

You will adjust and feel less of a flush over time. If you read the book, "Niacin, the Real Story", you will learn about getting saturated with Niacin. Due to the extreme cold, I started taking 1000 mgs in the morning after I eat an organic banana and some Greek yogurt. I know I must need it as the Niacin restores warmth to my fingers. I take 1000 mgs every 8 hours during this cold. Twin Labs provides a subtle flush as the body gets used to it. If you are very fearful, don't take it. For me the benefits outweigh the risks.

[foxglove in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your thorough reply, I did try niacin before (cant remember which brand0 but found the flush un bearable maybe didn't persevere long enough. Will send for the book and also check the twin labs brand - thanks

[goodymommy]

I rub Ben Gay on my feet, take a niacin tablet and wear Ugg house shoes in the house and wear my Ugg boots outside . I do this from Winter to Summer . It works for me .

[Rollcage in reply to goodymommy]

Hi

Thanks for your response. I've never heard of "Ben Gay" cream before - I shall look into it.

[goodymommy in reply to Rollcage]

Bengay is just a creme athletes rub on their sore muscles or people with Arthritis rub on their body . You can feel the warmth run through your skin . Their are other brands like , icy hot, Aspercreme, and so on . Good luck .