Joint Pain and Cold Weather – It’s Real

Stiffness, aches and pains are often associated with changes in weather, especially the falling temperatures of winter.

As a result of the falling temperatures; aches and pains are experienced by many in different parts of their body. The most affected during this season are the hip joints, knee joints and ankle joints. Ultimately it compromises our ease of movement and flexibility and may even result in injury if not taken care of.

There is no one explanation for why dropping temperatures affect your joints. One theory relates to drops in barometric pressure, which causes tendons, muscles, and the surrounding tissues to expand, causing pain, especially in joints affected by arthritis. Everyone reacts to fluctuating barometric pressure, but people with arthritis and those with chronic pain are more vulnerable to feeling discomfort. There are a few measures we can all take to keep joint pains at bay during this season.

• Dress in layers

It is very important to retain body heat and keep warm during the winter. So while planning to go out make sure that you are dressed in sufficient layers.

• Exercise is key

Building up muscle and bone strength through exercise is crucial even in the winter. So take care to be active both indoors and outdoors. It eases mobility and helps to reduce pressure on your joints, making them less prone to injury.

• Adequate stretching

Always stretch before going outside. This helps greatly to loosen stiff joints. Staying active in the winter keeps your muscles and joints healthy.

• Maintain a healthy weight

By following a healthy diet and sufficiently exercising; we can decrease the strain experienced by joints, especially in the knees.

• Heating pads

If you experience any pain, apply heating pads immediately. They help to soothe and relax the muscles, thereby alleviating the pain.

• Physical therapy

Physical therapy can help greatly during this season. It helps to loosen the rigid muscles, ease the joints and help to relax and alleviate the pain experienced. This can also act as a precautionary step to prevent any pain or injury during this season.

Most importantly, get proper rest, eat healthy and avoid unnecessarily straining yourself with day to day activities, as it will have a toll on your joints. Stay warm, stay healthy and stay protected this winter.