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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Cold/Numb Hands...

Mike Lamb

Oct 29, 09 11:30

Post #1 of 5 (151 views)

Cold/Numb Hands...	Can't Post

I have a real problem with my hands losing significant strength/going numb when the weather dips even a little (think low 60's). To give an example, I can't start my car if I've been out riding in mild temperatures. This is with gloves on. Right now, I have a couple pairs: some lighter, full fingered Craft gloves for weather in the 60's; and then the lobster style gloves from PI for anything below that. I still get the lack of strength/mobility. My furture naturopath wife says I have Renaud's (sp) syndrome, but I have no idea if that is the case.

Anyone have similar issues? How have you dealt with it?

f/k/a mclamb6

NCtri

Oct 29, 09 11:37

Post #2 of 5 (144 views)

Re: Cold/Numb Hands... [Mike Lamb] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have Reynaud's. Do your fingers change color? Mine become really white with rather startling demarcation lines. When I first when scuba diving in cold water they thought I had DCS. Mine go numb and I can't really use them well. Mostly a problem biking in the winter. I wear several pairs of gloves but nothing really helps. Your case sounds more severe than mine.

Mike Lamb

Oct 29, 09 12:44

Post #3 of 5 (118 views)

Re: Cold/Numb Hands... [NCtri] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I haven't really noticed much in the way of a color change. They get whiter, but not dramatically so. It's really annoying.

f/k/a mclamb6

rroof

Oct 29, 09 15:18

Post #4 of 5 (88 views)

Re: Cold/Numb Hands... [Mike Lamb] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Early vasculitic changes - can be a precursor to pernio (chillblains) where more skin reactions, vesicular eruptions can occur. Good google material for ya for some tips on prevention/treatment.
____________________________________
Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
- Andrew Coggan, PhD

johnpostmd

Oct 29, 09 16:22

Post #5 of 5 (58 views)

Re: Cold/Numb Hands... [Mike Lamb] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Mike -Raynaud's is pretty common. Many will have it as an isolated phenomenon and in others, it accompanies a more global process. Those affected will have more issues in the cold than warm, their fingers will have decreased sensation and turn white, almost snow white, on occasion. When placed in modestly warm water for 2 or 3 minutes, the digits re-warm and turn every shade of red and purple you can imagine before simply settling on only mildly red. Once warm, starting a car is easy.

If you want to document this, next time it occurs, start taking pictures with your cell phone, and save them for your health care provider. You will asked about a family history of certain kinds of arthritis, bowel disease and the like. I'd follow rroof's suggestion, google Raynauds and see what it looks like. You may find that your complaints are the same (or different) but it's a good starting place.

My sister and I both have this to a greater or lesser degree and I think I'm the biggest purchaser of chemical hand warmers at our local backpacking store. But, I ride outdoors all year unless there's snow or ice on the road. Cold water swimming, however, can present a certain challenge!
John Post, MD
Medical Director, Training Bible Coaching
www.trainingbible.com
http://johnpostmdsblog.blogspot.com