I am wondering if any other open water folks deal with Raynaud's Syndrome--extremely cold hands and feet that becomes almost debilitating. Mine has gotten worse in the last two years or so, and with open water swimming in cold conditions, it's been just awful. I deal with color change and pain on an almost daily basis. Sometimes, even after a summer run, I'll be almost unable to use my hands for an hour or so.
With a 10-mile swim coming up, in less than Caribbean conditions up in Vermont, I am getting extremely nervous. This summer, I've been having massive Raynaud's issues because of the crazy weather.
Has anyone else dealt with this? One recommendation is to stay out of cold water--not so much an option!
Thanks.
The issue is that it's not so much about keeping the extremities warm as it is about an internal issue. When my core gets even slightly chilled, that's when the Raynaud's gets worst. In fact, in some ways, Spring and Fall are the hardest because it's those in-between temperatures.
Gloves and other external fixes don't really help--unless it's those hand warmer things when I ski, which wouldn't really work for swimming!
I've heard about a supplement called L-Arginine that I'd like to try but want to see if anyone has tried it.
The issue is that it's not so much about keeping the extremities warm as it is about an internal issue. When my core gets even slightly chilled, that's when the Raynaud's gets worst. In fact, in some ways, Spring and Fall are the hardest because it's those in-between temperatures.
Gloves and other external fixes don't really help--unless it's those hand warmer things when I ski, which wouldn't really work for swimming!
I've heard about a supplement called L-Arginine that I'd like to try but want to see if anyone has tried it.
