If your nerve pain has been flaring up all winter, you’re not imagining it. Cold weather can make neuropathic pain feel sharper, more intense, and harder to ignore.
That’s because cold weather can tighten muscles, restrict blood flow, and make nerves more sensitive. Unfortunately, all of that can intensify neuropathy symptoms like pain, tingling, or burning sensations.
The good news? With the right strategies, you can keep your symptoms under control and stay comfortable as we inch toward spring.
Take a moment as our team of double board-certified pain management physicians and anesthesiologists shares five tips for managing neuropathy pain this February and how to know when it’s time to visit us here at Trinity Pain Medicine Associates.
This may seem like a simple tip, but it’s your best defense against neuroapthy flare-ups in cold weather. Cold air can constrict blood vessels and increase nerve sensitivity.
The average low temperature in Fort Worth in February is in the 40s, but it can dip as low as 39℉.
Dress in layers, wear thermal socks and gloves, and don’t forget to keep your core warm with a jacket or vest. Keep spare socks, gloves, a blanket, and a sweatshirt in your car so you’re never without extra layers.
Using heating pads or warm compresses on painful areas can also help ease discomfort and improve circulation.
However, if you have numbness or reduced sensation, be cautious. Your skin may not feel heat properly, which increases the risk of burns.
Always use low heat settings, place a cloth between your skin and the heat source, and limit use to 15-20 minutes at a time.
It’s tempting to hibernate when it’s cold, but gentle movement helps reduce stiffness and boosts blood flow to your nerves.
Low-impact exercises like walking indoors, stretching, yoga, or swimming in a heated indoor pool can all help keep your body flexible and your pain levels more manageable.
Tip: If you swim indoors, dry your hair and put on warm layers before heading back outdoors.
Neuropathic pain often affects your hands and feet, where nerves are more sensitive. Cold, dry weather can worsen your discomfort by irritating already sensitive skin.
To help minimize pain and prevent cracks or sores, apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer on your hands and feet.
Wear comfortable, supportive footwear (with warm socks!) to protect your feet from irritation. Wool socks are especially great for keeping your feet warm.
Stress can amplify nerve pain by heightening your body’s pain response. During colder months, stress levels often rise due to schedule changes, reduced daylight, or frustrations of always feeling cold.
To disrupt the stress-chronic pain cycle, try relaxation techniques such as coloring, crafts, deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation. Reading is particularly effective for stress management. It can lower stress levels by 68%!
The bottom line is that even focusing for a few minutes each day on stress management can help ease both your physical and emotional tension.
If neuropathic pain affects your feet, reduced sensation can make it hard to notice injuries, blisters, or irritation, especially in cold weather. Check your feet regularly for cuts or sores, and keep them clean and dry.
If your neuropathic pain worsens during cooler months, we can help you adjust your treatment plan.
This may include medication changes, topical pain relievers, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), supplements to address nutritional deficiencies, or other interventional pain management techniques designed to calm overactive nerves and improve your quality of life.
Managing neuropathic pain in the winter takes a little extra effort, but with the right support, you can stay comfortable.
If your neuropathic pain is interfering with your daily life, schedule a consultation or give us a ring at 817-332-3664 to explore your options and take control of your comfort this season.
