When temperatures drop, many people notice their nerve pain flares up, especially in their hands and feet. But is cold weather really to blame, or is it just a coincidence?
You’re not imagining it — especially if you live with neuropathy or another nerve-related condition. Cold weather can, in fact, make nerve pain worse.
Read on as Dr. Irfan Lalani explains the link between cold weather and nerve pain and how you can find relief.
Certain conditions make nerves more reactive to temperature changes. If you have diabetes, an autoimmune disorder, or a history of nerve injury, your nerves may already be more vulnerable. Cold weather can amplify those signals, making pain feel sharper or more frequent.
Even brief exposures, such as walking outside without gloves or standing on a cold floor, can aggravate your symptoms.
Cold weather can intensify existing nerve pain in three ways:
Cold temperatures cause your blood vessels to constrict, which can reduce blood flow to your extremities. For people with nerve damage, this can lead to increased pain, tingling, numbness, or burning sensations.
Colder air temperatures can stiffen your muscles and joints, which then increases pressure around already-sensitive nerves.
People with fibromyalgia tend to feel cold-related pain much sooner — often around 68°F (20°C) — compared to people without the condition, who typically don’t feel cold-related pain until it drops to 47°F (8°C).
If the winter chill worsens your symptoms, try these five strategies:
Dress in layers, wear insulated gloves and socks, and use heating pads or warm compresses when needed. Consider using heating pads or heated blankets when you’re feeling extra cold. Use the warm (not hot) settings to avoid burning yourself.
Pack appropriate clothing, socks, and gloves when traveling to a colder climate.
Engage in gentle movement and stretching to increase circulation and help prevent stiffness. Add movement throughout your day, especially in the morning and evening.
Also, if Dr. Lalani recommends physical therapy, stay consistent with your at-home exercises.
Avoid direct contact with cold surfaces and keep your hands and feet dry. If your feet get wet (by stepping in a puddle, for example) change out of wet socks right away.
Cold weather can increase tension, which may heighten pain perception. Practice relaxation techniques or breathing exercises.
If your nerve pain doesn’t improve with self-care, Dr. Lalani offers advanced treatments for a variety of nerve-related conditions.
Depending on the cause and severity of your neuropathy, your treatment may include:
In some cases, such as if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Lalani may recommend surgery to relieve nerve compression.
If your nerve pain tends to flare up when temperatures drop, you don’t have to wait for spring to find relief. We can provide personalized guidance to help you stay comfortable.
Contact Irfan Lalani Medical, located in Sugar Land, Texas, at 979-401-4263. You can also request a consultation online.
