If you find that Parkinson’s symptoms get worse in the winter, you’re not alone. While not everyone with Parkinson’s notices more problems in the cold weather, many MyParkinsonsTeam members report more pain, muscle stiffness, trembling, and other symptoms when the temperatures drop.

Here’s what to know about cold temperatures and Parkinson’s.

Does Cold Weather Make Parkinson’s Symptoms Worse?

Cold temperatures can affect people with Parkinson’s disease in several ways. Researchers have reported that autonomic dysfunction is common in Parkinson’s and can affect temperature regulation, blood flow, and sweating, but symptoms vary from person to person. Here is what MyParkinsonsTeam members report.

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More Pain

Chilly air can cause muscles to contract and tighten, making existing aches, cramps, and joint pain feel significantly sharper during the winter months. As one MyParkinsonsTeam member shared about their partner, “This cold weather in Michigan is really hard on him. His Parkinson’s seems not to hurt him so bad in the warm weather.”

Stiffer Joints

Some members find that they struggle with joints that are stiffer than usual when it’s cold outside. Cold temperatures cause muscles to tense up, which can worsen Parkinson’s rigidity and make your joints feel locked or harder to move. This extra rigidity places strain on surrounding muscles, often leading to a cycle of increased discomfort.

One member explained, “I woke up this a.m. with my hand (knuckles and fingers) frozen closed and stiff. I managed to get all my fingers straight and functioning again. I am accustomed to this routine now and have come to dread extremely cold days.”

More stiffness can lead to more pain: “My husband has a hard time with the cold weather because he stiffens up his shoulder and neck, and then he experiences a lot of pain,” said another MyParkinsonsTeam member.

Worse Tremors

When your body gets cold, it naturally tries to warm up by shivering. In someone with Parkinson’s, shivering combines with underlying parkinsonian tremor, making hand or leg shaking feel much more noticeable and harder to control.

“The cold winter does a number on my tremoring,” one MyParkinsonsTeam member wrote. Another explained, “I shake more in the cold. After only a minute or two, my right hand starts dancing like it’s at a party.”

Difficulty Getting Warm

Because Parkinson’s can impair how your blood vessels react to temperature, blood flow to your hands and feet may drop quickly in the cold. This can leave you feeling chilled to the bone or experiencing rapid temperature swings that make it difficult to warm back up.

One member put it this way: “It feels like having a fever constantly. I’m warm for five minutes, then cold, then warm.” Another said, “This winter, I was freezing cold and could not get warm.”

Managing Parkinson’s Symptoms in Cold Weather

You can take steps that may help reduce the impact of cold weather on your Parkinson’s symptoms. As always, ask your neurologist or another healthcare provider for medical advice when you’re dealing with symptoms from Parkinson’s.

Here are some possible solutions.

Stay Warm

Do what you can to keep yourself warm and dry. In the harsh winter months, that may mean remaining indoors when possible. It’s often possible to get groceries, medications, and more delivered straight to your door.

If you can’t get deliveries, there may be people in your life who would be willing to get necessities for you so you don’t have to go into the cold.

Make sure your home is warm enough too. If you need to use a space heater, never cover it or place it close to anything that could catch fire.

Electric blankets and hot water bottles can also be helpful. “I have an electric blanket for my mom’s bed and an electric throw-size blanket for when she is on the computer or eating dinner,” one caregiver on MyParkinsonsTeam shared.

Dress for Warmth

Wearing the right clothing can be key to managing body temperature. Wear several loose layers of breathable garments rather than one heavy layer. Make sure to not forget mittens, hats, and scarves in cold weather.

Layering also allows you to add or remove clothing as needed — especially if you feel chilly or overheated. As one member explained, “My mother dresses in layers when she is cold and then peels them off as she warms up.”

You can also try wearing a hat, mittens, and socks at night. Keep extra blankets near the bed so you can pull one on right away if you suddenly get cold.

Keep Moving Safely

The more you move your body, the easier it may be to keep warm. You don’t have to do strenuous exercises. Just moving around your house, such as when tidying up, can get your blood flowing and help you feel warmer again. Be sure paths are clear of throw rugs and clutter to prevent trips or falls.

Choose Warm Foods and Beverages

If you’re too cold, think about warming your body from the inside out. Warm foods like soups and stews may help you feel warmer after you eat them. Drinking warm beverages, such as tea or hot cocoa, may also help. Avoid alcohol, which can make it easier for your body to lose heat.

Stay Warm on the Go

Plan ahead before you go out in severe weather. Wear suitable clothing and footwear with good traction, keep trips brief when weather is severe, and arrange help when you need it. Consider how much time you’ll need to spend outdoors, such as how long it will take to walk to a vehicle or wait for a bus.

Join the Conversation

On MyParkinsonsTeam, people share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

How does cold weather affect your Parkinson’s symptoms? Let others know in the comments below.