If you’re one of the 20 million Americans living with neuropathy, you know the holidays can sometimes take a toll on your nerves — literally and figuratively. But you deserve to enjoy the season without pain or discomfort holding you back.
If your symptoms worsen or you need more personalized care, Dr. Irfan Lalani and our team at Irfan Lalani Medical can help. With customized treatment plans and advanced therapies, we’ll work with you to relieve pain, restore function, and help you feel your best this holiday season and beyond.
In the meantime, we’ve created this guide to help you manage neuropathy during the holidays.
Cold temperatures can worsen neuropathy symptoms.
Keep your hands and feet warm with insulated gloves, socks, and blankets. Look for shoes and socks specifically designed for colder temperatures.
That being said, avoid direct heat from devices that could burn numb areas. Heated inserts or warm baths can also help improve circulation and ease pain.
Shoes can keep your feet warm, but they can also protect your feet from injury — something you might not notice right away if you’re dealing with neuropathy-related numbness.
Supportive, cushioned shoes are non-negotiables all year long, and the holidays are no exception. Between standing for long periods at parties or walking for hours while shopping, your feet need extra support during the holidays.
Wear shoes that provide arch support and enough cushioning, and avoid anything that too’s tight or too pointy.
When you get home, slip into soft recovery shoes to help your feet relax and recover.
What you eat has a direct impact on nerve health. High-sugar foods and refined carbohydrates can cause blood sugar spikes, which may worsen nerve damage in people with diabetic neuropathy.
Alcohol can also contribute to or aggravate neuropathy by damaging nerves and depleting essential nutrients like B vitamins.
To protect your nerves, focus on balanced meals that include lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, and whole grains, and stay hydrated throughout the day.
The holidays are understandably busy, but don’t let that stop you from logging your active minutes each week.
Movement promotes circulation, reduces stiffness, and can help control nerve pain. Even light activities, such as a short walk after dinner, can make a difference. Walking:
Tip: Stay active even when you’re traveling for the holidays. If you’re traveling by car, plan short breaks to stand up and move around. If you’re traveling by air, do calf raises when possible.
Both holiday stress and lack of sleep can heighten your perception of pain, but the relationship goes both ways. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine shows that chronic pain can also intensify how you react to stress, which can create a challenging cycle that’s hard to break.
The solution: Make time to decompress, whether that’s deep breathing, meditation, or simply saying “no” to extra commitments. Practice good sleep hygiene so you can get the quality of sleep that your body needs each night.
If your neuropathy pain worsens, feels different than usual, or begins to interfere with daily activities, it’s important to seek medical care.
Dr. Lalani conducts in-depth clinical exams to identify the cause and type of neuropathy you have. He listens carefully to your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and performs both physical and neurological exams.
In some cases, he may order additional tests, such as a nerve conduction study or electromyogram, to evaluate nerve function and determine severity.
Dr. Lalani customizes your neuropathy treatment plan based on your symptoms, type of nerve damage, and personal preferences. Your plan may include:
If Dr. Lalani recommends that you wear splints or take nutritional supplements, for example, continue to stick with your routine during the holidays. If your schedule becomes loaded with additional holiday commitments, use your calendar to set reminders to do at-home physical therapy exercises, take your medication, or put on your brace.
You don’t have to let neuropathy pain put a damper on your holiday fun. For expert diagnosis and compassionate care, schedule a consultation at Irfan Lalani Medical today.
You can also reach Dr. Lalani at 979-401-4263.
