More Than Cold Hands: How To Stay Warm When You Have Raynaud’s

When the temperatures drop do your hands get cold? It’s probably safe to say that most people have cold hands once in a while during cold weather. But if you just can’t seem to warm them up it might be something else: Raynaud’s Syndrome.

What is Raynaud’s?

Raynaud’s affects the small blood vessels in your hands, and sometimes your feet and the end of your nose. You might hear someone mention “poor circulation” or being “cold sensitive.”

Color changes in your skin are a key feature of Reynaud’s. If you see your hands turn white or bluish when they’re cold and then turn red when they warm up, it might be Raynaud’s.

What causes Raynaud’s is a mystery but women between the ages of 15-40 are more likely than men to develop the condition.

If you suspect your cold hands might be more than a reaction to chilly weather, discuss it with your doctor.

Keep Warm! Here’s How:

How can you warm up your hands? Don’t go outside unprotected from the wind and cold. Always wear mittens or gloves when you’re outside in cold weather or when you’re choosing from the cold/frozen cases at the grocery store.

Knit Nordic Mittens	Knit Flip-Top Mittens	Knit Mountain Mittens

Want to help restore good circulation? Wiggle your fingers and toes, windmill your arms or gently massage your hands and fingers.

Fingerless mitts don’t offer enough protection when the thermometer dips below freezing and the wind blows. If you love to knit or crochet, it’s a great time to try your hand at mittens and gloves.

Stave Off the Cold Indoors Too!

Doing repetitive tasks like typing, knitting or crocheting? Thin wrist warmers or fingerless mitts will fill the bill by keeping your hands warm and your fingers free.

Another tip: running your hands under warm water helps, so does putting some distance between your hands and cold surfaces. How about making a cozy for your cold drinks?

Crochet Wharton Wristers	Knit Fingerless Gloves	Crochet Driving Gloves

One crafter told me she has Raynaud’s and when the wind blows she bundles and buttons up before she goes outside. She even bought a furry steering wheel cover and warms her car up before she heads out. Inside, she always wears socks and never takes anything out of the refrigerator or freezer without using a pair of gloves or mittens to create a barrier. She also recommends using insulated drinking cups and glasses both winter and summer.

Sometimes cold hands are just a seasonal hazard but if you think you might have Raynaud’s, visit your doctor and check out the Raynaud’s Association for more information.