White Fingers!

I'm either approaching old age, or my body is protesting the cold. Or both. While researching Thoracic Outlet Syndrome last summer, I came across some information about Raynaud's Syndrome and how it can be caused by Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Imagine my dismay when I came back from a run a couple weeks ago and noticed my right hand (not the side that was operated on) looked like this:

No, those aren't my hands, I was too busy trying to rewarm them to be taking pictures, but maybe one day I will.

Anyway, it was only my right hand, so I got to thinking maybe I have thoracic outlet syndrome on my right side too (really not good). But I haven't had any other symptoms. I discussed it with Shelly who informed me that her and her friend also have Raynaud's and it's not really a big deal. I was still skeptical until the next time I ran and it happened to both hands. It's the weirdest thing. However, I do know that I no longer have a rib on the left side that can pinch my blood vessels and limit blood flow to my hand, so if it's happening on my left side, it isn't caused by Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and if it isn't caused by that on my left side, it probably isn't caused by it on my right side.

I decided to look up this crazy phenomenon, and it turns out it really isn't such a big deal... until you get prolonged lack of oxygen to your fingers, but we won't go there. I notice it mostly after a run in the cold weather (yes, I wear gloves when I run, it doesn't help much apparently) but I've also noticed it after washing my hands in cold water or taking an ice bath (after my long runs to decrease the inflammation in my leg muscles). It doesn't hurt unless my fingers get really cold, and then it hurts like hell as they warm back up. They just get numb and tingly and then as they rewarm they itch a little bit. Here's a couple more interesting pictures that look similar to mine:

The funny part about all this is that when I started reading about it, it mentioned it usually started in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th decade of life. In a couple of months, I will have been on this earth for 3 decades. The scary part about it all is that it may be the start of rheumatoid arthritis or other weird diseases.... or it may just be completely on it's own. With all the weird things that run in my family, it wouldn't be completely out there for me to develop painfully deformed feet and severe rheumatoid arthritis. As I get older I start to worry a little about all these things. I mean, what is the likelyhood of me being able to dodge all this stuff?

Anyway, just thought I'd share. There's a reason I belong in warmer climates.