With peripheral neuropathy (PN), the cooler weather makes most patients' symptoms worse. In neuropathies caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in your hands and feet, cold weather will constrict your blood vessels and result in less blood to your nerves. Less blood flow may mean more pain and numbness.

Does neuropathy get worse when it rains?

Actually, the neuropathy isn't worse . . . it's arthritis! You see, when it's humid (the barometric pressure changes), the fluid in your bursas/joints, etc. expands, causing an immediate increase in the pressure in the joints/joint capsules. This increased pressure squeezes nerves.

What causes neuropathy to flare up?

It's usually caused by chronic, progressive nerve disease, and it can also occur as the result of injury or infection. If you have chronic neuropathic pain, it can flare up at any time without an obvious pain-inducing event or factor. Acute neuropathic pain, while uncommon, can occur as well.