I'm training for a half marathon this winter but I have raynaud's syndrome so my feet go numb on all of my cold weather runs(I live in Chicago). And I'm not talking numb until I warm up, I'm talking can't feel my feet at all for a good five miles. I've been thinking of investing in some compression socks to help w/ blood flow to my feet and maybe help w/ the numbness. Does anyone have experience w/ this? Do the socks help or are there any other things that you recommend?
Never thought of trying compression socks, why not give it a try. Toe warmers may be worth a shot. I use hand warmers (inside of mittens) for my fingers, which work great.
I have Raynauds as well, it's horrible trying to run while your feet are freezing. For me it's especially bad in my hands.
I live in Pennsylvania, and this past winter I went to Costco and got two cases of those chemical heating packets - they also sell ones specifically for feet. They have adhesive on one side, and I usually stick it to the top of my foot (not underneath, so it doesn't interfere with stride). I run with those in my mitts as well.
Another thing is wool socks. The difference is HUGE between those and regular running socks - I love smartwool ones. They are expensive but SO worth it.
Don't laugh at this... Try taping the venting on the top of the shoes. I have done this and it will help a little to keep your feet warm.
The pressure from tight lifting gloves helps a lot with my hands -- makes sense that compression socks would do similar.
Interestingly, though I have raynauds in my feet, it's never an issue when running. The impact seems to force the blood through my feet.
I get it occasionally in one thumb AFTER the run is over (so strange), but I have the same issue as soon as the weather gets low 40s and under with my toes....it usually takes about 3 miles before the circulation relieves the numbness in my toes. I love Smartwool, but usually buy shoes a size or so bigger if I need to wear two pairs....
CEP compression socks are designed to help this. There is a buffer in the toes to avoid blisters, wear, etc...but it also creates more warmth. And of course, warmth has a lot to do with circulation, as well as dryness. The socks do great with moisture.
Full disclosure...
I work part-time for my brother-in-law's company, Sports Compression. (dot com)
But, after he gave me some socks for a blood clot I had after knee surgery I pretty much begged him to let me work for him. I really believe in CEP compression socks. Whether you get them from sportscompression dot com or not, I would recommend them.
btw, I'm authorized to give discounts. 15% off if you use this code at check out: BLOG15
(code should work for at least another week or two.)