Riding with Raynaud's

The weather across Britain might be unseasonably mild, but if you are plagued by Raynaud's, the looming approach of colder days must feel like a countdown to what is an annual ordeal for millions.

Raynaud's affects circulation at the extremities, leaving fingers and toes pale and numb. It's particularly troublesome for those of us who enjoy spending time outside. A bout of Raynaud's is an unwelcome interruption to any winter walk or cycle ride.

If all this sounds familiar and you suspect things are taking a turn for the worse, a trip to the doctor might be in order. However, there are other options to consider. The obvious answer is to avoid getting cold in the first place by piling on warm socks and thick gloves. Regular exercise won’t hurt either as it's an excellent way to boost circulation.

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Editor's note: I (almost entirely) cured myself of Raynaud's

I used to suffer with Raynaud's and assumed I’d be a hostage to it every winter until a book on cold-water therapy recommended plunging one’s hands and feet into ice water for two (excruciating) minutes each day. To call it unpleasant would be an understatement, but the results were unexpected: over time, the Raynaud's all but disappeared. Of course, that’s not to say it will work for everyone. Consult your doctor if you’re thinking of experimenting and have any doubts about your general health.

Win a pair of DeFeet gloves

For those who’d rather keep hands warm than dunk them in ice water, we’re giving away a pair of DeFeet gloves, complete with rubber grips and touchscreen-friendly fingertips.

Leave a comment below, and next week, they could be yours.

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The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover  and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

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