ajctraveler 0 #1 November 4, 2013 So I made a rookie mistake of going jumping in the cold without gloves yesterday and nearly wasn't able to steer my parachute on the way down I was in so much pain. I later found out that it was -16 at altitude. It's gotten better, but it's been 24 hours and my finger joints are still in a lot of pain and my fingertips are really sensitive. Should I be going to a doctor or doing something specific? Or is this just a wait it out thing.. Appreciate any advice Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mattjw916 2 #2 November 4, 2013 you'll be fine... I suffered through many a frozen wasteland back in the military and still have all my pieces and parts intact... NSCR-2376, SCR-15080 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildcard451 0 #3 November 4, 2013 Do you normally have issues with your hands in cold weather? This can be anything from a color change to mild discomfort in a cold room or outside in the cold? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrDom 0 #4 November 5, 2013 wildcard451Do you normally have issues with your hands in cold weather? This can be anything from a color change to mild discomfort in a cold room or outside in the cold? If this is the case you may have Raynaud's Syndrome. You can replicate it by holding a glass of ice water in the freezer for 30 seconds and then bringing it back into a warm room. Its vascular spasm and not dangerous Otherwise, there is not much bad you can do even if you get some "frostnip" but I would recommend warm packs to the hands to improve blood flow and keeping them flexing and they will loosen up. If the fingers look normal at this point, you're ok :) Oh, and ibuprofen or naproxen for the pain actually has been shown in studies to be helpful. GO get some gloves ;)You are not the contents of your wallet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 615 #5 November 5, 2013 Much simpler to just stuff your hands in your armpits ... more fun if you can stuff them in a friend's armpits ... er ... my mind is rapidly descending into the gutter. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 615 #6 November 5, 2013 USPA recommends wearing gloves as son as the temperature - at exit altitude - gets close to freezing. Even thin leather gloves will vastly reduce wind chill. Just be sure to wear the same gloves during all ground rehearsals. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mach1dmb 0 #7 November 5, 2013 Get gloves. Keep your hands loose the entire trip to altitude. I keep my hands in a fist. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybill 22 #8 November 5, 2013 Hi Tony, You'll live! You've just encountered one of the hazards of cold weather jumping!! Good gloves are a must, the less porus the better. Among others, tried scuba divers gloves and they worked great!! Good warmth without a lot of bulk. SCR-2034, SCS-680 III%, Deli-out Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nutellaontoast 0 #9 November 5, 2013 I find a combination of batter's gloves with disposable plastic gloves underneath is a good combination for blocking wind and maintaining feeling and grip. I prefer vinyl gloves, but latex or nitrile should work as well.Don't let the fact that I sound like I think that I know what I'm talking about fool you. I know that I don't know what I'm talking about Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #10 November 5, 2013 Make sure you keep your core good and warm, too, when it's that cold. That'll help to keep your extremities warm (though you'll still need gloves.)"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rover 11 #11 November 5, 2013 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDUuCSc42NU 2 wrongs don't make a right - but 3 lefts do. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ajctraveler 0 #12 November 5, 2013 Thanks for the responses everyone. I just woke up, and my fingers are definitely feeling better. Although last night when I went to bed, over 30 hours after the jump I still had pretty intense pain in my joints. I already ordered a couple of pairs of gloves, it's not a mistake I will ever make again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrDom 0 #13 November 5, 2013 ajctravelerThanks for the responses everyone. I just woke up, and my fingers are definitely feeling better. Although last night when I went to bed, over 30 hours after the jump I still had pretty intense pain in my joints. I already ordered a couple of pairs of gloves, it's not a mistake I will ever make again. Skiiers and snowboarders get it; snowmobilers too, even showshoe folks. It passes. I've had my share after winter hiking for too long...You are not the contents of your wallet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildcard451 0 #14 November 7, 2013 DrDom ***Do you normally have issues with your hands in cold weather? This can be anything from a color change to mild discomfort in a cold room or outside in the cold? If this is the case you may have Raynaud's Syndrome. You can replicate it by holding a glass of ice water in the freezer for 30 seconds and then bringing it back into a warm room. Its vascular spasm and not dangerous Otherwise, there is not much bad you can do even if you get some "frostnip" but I would recommend warm packs to the hands to improve blood flow and keeping them flexing and they will loosen up. If the fingers look normal at this point, you're ok :) Oh, and ibuprofen or naproxen for the pain actually has been shown in studies to be helpful. GO get some gloves ;) I didn't feel like typing it all out if the answer was no. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackwallace 3 #15 November 8, 2013 Is this the first time you've ever frozen your fingers?U only make 2 jumps: the first one for some weird reason and the last one that you lived through. The rest are just filler. scr 316 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cube 0 #16 November 9, 2013 Trust me, little numbness or discomfort after few minutes of cold doesnt do any real damage. Just keep em warm (you can wear gloves inside too or use warm bottles, have helped me with minor frostbites). And get a warm pair of gloves for next time, number one accessory for winter jumps. I would rather wear nothing under my jumpsuit and real good gloves than no gloves and a lot of other clothing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites