Triggers That Make Neuropathy Flare Up
Triggers That Make Neuropathy Flare Up
Living with neuropathy can be frustrating, especially when your symptoms seem to come and go without warning. But flare-ups don’t just happen randomly—there are specific habits, health factors, and lifestyle triggers that can quietly make things worse.
If you’re dealing with burning, tingling, numbness, or nerve pain in your hands or feet, knowing what to avoid (and what to do instead) can make a huge difference in how you feel day to day.
Let’s dig into what causes these flare-ups—and how to get ahead of them.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy happens when your nerves get damaged and stop working the way they should. Some nerves misfire, sending pain signals even when there’s nothing wrong, while others shut down and cause numbness or weakness.
Symptoms usually start in the feet and gradually move up the legs. Many people describe it as:
- Pins and needles
- Burning or shooting pain
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Oversensitivity to touch or temperature
- Trouble balancing or walking
Left untreated, neuropathy can lead to lasting nerve damage—so learning what makes it worse is key.
5 Triggers That Can Make Symptoms Worse
Even if the root cause of your neuropathy is under control, these common triggers can still send your symptoms into overdrive:
1. Blood Sugar Spikes
Unstable blood sugar is one of the top reasons neuropathy symptoms get worse. Whether you have diabetes or prediabetes, poor glucose control can speed up nerve damage and make pain more intense.
2. Alcohol
Alcohol interferes with how your body absorbs essential nutrients—especially B12—and puts extra strain on already sensitive nerves. Even moderate drinking can be enough to trigger a flare-up.
3. Vitamin Imbalances
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a well-known cause of neuropathy. But on the flip side, too much vitamin B6 can also damage nerves. A lot of “nerve support” supplements are loaded with B6, and if you’re taking them daily without checking your levels, they might be doing more harm than good.
4. Certain Infections
Infections like Lyme disease or viral illnesses can either cause neuropathy or worsen it. If your symptoms started after being sick, this might be part of the puzzle.
5. Supplements That Backfire
Not all supplements are created equal. Some have ingredients that aren’t helpful—or worse, might irritate already damaged nerves. If your symptoms have gotten worse after starting a new product, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s inside.
How to Ease the Flare-Ups
While you might not be able to reverse nerve damage completely, you can take steps to manage symptoms and avoid triggers.
- ✅ Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check – Even small improvements in glucose control can go a long way. Work with your doctor to track your numbers and make gradual changes to your diet or routine.
- ✅ Test, Don’t Guess – Get your B12 and B6 levels checked before taking any supplements. Fixing a deficiency helps—but overdoing it on vitamins (especially B6) can make things worse.
- ✅ Move More—But Gently – Low-impact exercises like yoga, Pilates, and tai chi can improve balance, circulation, and core strength without overloading your joints. These are especially helpful for neuropathy-related balance issues.
- ✅ Rethink Your Shoes – Choose shoes with a wide toe box, solid arch support, and low or moderate cushioning. Too much softness can throw off your balance and increase fall risk if your feet are already numb or unstable.
- ✅ Stick with It – Neuropathy management is all about consistency. The more you support your body with good habits, the more resilient your nerves can become.
Need Help with Neuropathy Relief?
You don’t have to suffer through it alone. If nerve pain or numbness is messing with your sleep, balance, or everyday comfort, we’re here to help.
Book now for a free evaluation and let’s figure out a plan that works for you. Relief is possible—and we’ll help you get there.
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