Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate: Dr. Cynthia Speaks!
Topic: Loved Ones with Peripheral Neuropathy During Cold Weather
The winter months are upon us, and many elderly loved ones have chronic conditions that can exacerbate during cold weather. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is one of those conditions. The condition results from damage to the peripheral nervous system, the body’s nervous system, and the communication system throughout the body. According to the National Institute of Health(NIH), about 20 million Americans have some form of nerve damage to their extremities, while others live underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Diabetes is the most common chronic disease where peripheral neuropathy is problematic. However, other conditions can cause peripheral neuropathy. I read a study that declared many low-income older adults develop significant complications, including amputation from the inability to feel their extremities. Symptoms can be mild to severe nerve. Loved ones may complain of burning feet, numbness, tingling, bands of pain, and weakness in the lower parts of the body.
Peripheral Neuropathy And Cold Weather
Cold weather season is not friendly to loved ones dealing with peripheral neuropathy. Their symptoms often worsen, predominately causing sensations and pain in the hands and feet. You may ask what causes these symptoms. Well, I’m glad you asked! The biggest concern is reduced blood flow and increased sensitivity to extremities or conditions where blood flow is compromised (did you know that when a person sits for long periods in a wheelchair, blood flow is restricted?), which is why position changes are essential. Mobility and stiffness are already issues for many loved ones because their joints have limited movement. Restricted joint mobility can exacerbate discomfort associated with neuropathy. People usually move around less overall during cold weather.
How to Managing Peripheral Neuropathy
While we do not have command of the weather, there are things to help
manage your loved one’s symptoms more effectively this season. Start by dressing in layers to insulate the body to keep them warm. Even indoors, wool socks, thermal underwear, and, if needed, gloves will not hurt. If you can bet your loved one to move about, that helps increase blood flow to extremities. Keep your loved one hydrated with warm decaffeinated tea, coffee, and lemon water. Soaking hands and feet in warm water is also helpful. Using heating pads or towels is helpful, but please ensure proper temperatures.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, if your loved ones’ neuropathy symptoms worsen during the colder temperatures, please seek medical attention. Please reach out for support when a loved one describes the feelings or sensations. Working with a healthcare provider can help you find solutions and improve the quality of life of your loved one. Feeling cold is no fun. Being cold and unable to feel sensations caused by poor blood circulation is dangerous. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager, CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She has released her newest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers.
Website: www.cynthiajhickman.com
