With February statistically being the coldest month of the year it's no wonder Scleroderma and Raynaud's UK (SRUK) choose this month for Raynaud's Awareness Month. Raynaud's affects up to 10 million people in the UK yet SRUK's research (ComRes Poll of 2,000 general public in May 2016) reveals that only 4% of people are able to identify the symptoms of Raynaud's and only 10% of people on average who had Raynaud's symptoms would visit a GP.
If you have cold fingers and toes that change colour from very white, to blue/purple and then red, which go numb, tingly or cause pain, then it is advisable to get checked by a doctor.
The condition can be triggered by a change in temperature, emotional changes, stress, hormones or using vibrating tools. Cold hands and tingling fingers can make it impossible to use a standard computer keyboard, so as well as making sure a workspace is warm enough, what other ways can technology help someone with Raynaud's?
Technolgy to help you work with Raynaud's
*Amy, who has Raynaud's and Systemic Scleroderma (SSc) along with Ehlers Danlos Type III (which is unconnected), told AbilityNet in 2016:
“Since I can remember I've always had hands that felt a bit 'dead'. I went to the doctors because I heard there were treatments for Raynaud's," she says.
“My employers have been a fantastic support and we have sat together and agreed adjustments to help me in my role - from little things, like ensuring I am seated away from draughts, to bigger things - like agreeing circumstances where I feel I need to work from home, where they provided me with equipment to do so."
How AbilityNet can help you work with Raynaud's
Mary Steiner, a former AbilityNet assessor in the Midlands, said the important thing is to keep the working environment warm, but there are some other adjustments that can be made to make life easier.
One thing to look at, she said, is using voice recognition software to dictate to the computer and minimise the need to type or use the mouse. However not everyone will want to do this, or find it practical in their situation, and there are other options.
“I saw a client who worked all day in a call centre and she found that gripping the mouse made things worse because it further reduced the circulation to her fingers.
"She was having to stop working for 10 or 20 minutes each time her fingers went numb until the feeling returned, so we recommended a flatter, larger mouse which didn't require as much grip.
“Another was a student whose fingers were sore and cracked because of Raynaud's, I recommended an ergonomic pen," says Mary.
She said these adjustments won't stop the symptoms happening, but it's sometimes about using a "mixture of little things which each help to improve the situation".
Raynaud's: A quick guide to helpful tools for working with cold fingers
AbilityNet assessors suggest the following could help those with Raynaud's work more easily (some products are available at the SRUK online shop)
- A portable heater
- Heated mouse
- Heated gloves and socks
- Self-insulating gloves and insoles
- Silver fibre gloves (opposite) can work phones, tablets and your MAC/PC
- Body warming products because keeping your core warm can help
- Voice recognition software
- Word prediction software
- Light / soft touch keyboard
- Ergonomic pens such as PenAgain (above)
- Foam pen grips
Also check out the air conditioning, if it's problematic ask to be moved, turned up or wear additional clothing to ensure you stay warm, suggests the SRUK team.
Need help adapting your technology at home, work or college?
Call AbilityNet's free Helpline on: 0800 269 545.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff will discuss any kind of computer problem and do their best to come up with a solution.
Get help at work
Every employer must provide Reasonable Adjustments to accommodate the needs of employees. This could mean support to use the tools we've suggested, or changes to your duties when Raynaud's is affecting your work.
Use Clear Talents On Demand to let your manager know what would help you be more productive. It's free and confidential.
Get help at home
Do you need IT support at Home? AbilityNet At home volunteers can help people with disabilities deal with computer problems at home, either on the phone or in person.
Read more personal stories like Amy's from people living with Raynaud's.
If you would like to share your experiences of how your employer or colleagues help you manage your condition or have a question around the workplace, please email info@sruk.co.uk.