Cold weather comes with much adventure and fun as you go skiing and take up other sports activities. That is enough joy, but not for all, especially those dealing with chronic pain. Lower temperatures tend to present a challenging moment for those with chronic pain. Neuropathy, just like most chronic pains, tends to worsen as the temperatures drop. When you expose the body to cold, the blood flow in your outer extremities will slow. As your circulation decreases, nerve pain, especially in the feet and hands, will increase. If you suffer from nerve pain, you may want to see a specialist in neuropathic pain in Austin to get treatment. You can use these four tips to help combat the nerve pain you are experiencing, especially in cold weather:
- Bundle up
Ensure you dress for winter – have a sturdy coat, scarf, hat, thick socks, gloves, and other winter essentials. These items help prevent heat from leaving the body and cold temperatures from reaching your body. Keeping your body heated and well covered helps improve blood flow and reduce muscle stiffness. Since your hands and feet are the first to be affected by low temperatures, you want to layer up your socks and keep the hands covered properly with gloves.
- Reduce your caffeine intake
Coffee is a drink for many during the cold weather, but it may not be so for those with nerve pain. It is nice to get a warm drink when the weather gets so cold. However, high caffeine amounts may make the blood vessels narrow temporarily. This restricts the flow of blood to an individual’s extremities. You may have increased nerve pain if you drink a lot of coffee during the cold weather.
- Have an indoor break
The winter months bring a moment of fun to the family. Many go out to build snowmen or walk in the brisk air. For individuals with nerve pain, they want to avoid staying outside for extended periods. Consider having breaks indoors more often. It will help you maintain warmth in your body and enhance blood flow while allowing the muscles to relax.
- Do some light exercises
You can take light cardio exercises to help keep your muscles warm and enhance circulation. It will help ward off the nerve pain that comes with cold temperatures. You can try gentle exercises like walking, light weightlifting, elliptical, and yoga. A light swim within a heated pool may also help ensure the body is limber. It also eases away your muscle tension.
It is not something you want to experience, but if you have neuropathy, you can also use these tips to prevent or manage it as you seek medication or treatment. These are simple, practical ways you can help combat your nerves’ pain that worsens during cold weather. Make it a routine to keep the body warm and avoid those that could make the body temperatures plummet. No matter how curious and tempted you may be to venture outside during winter and join the rest of the family in having fun, think about your health first. Keep warm, stay protected, and get medical help.
