Have you ever noticed that as the temperature drops, joint pain seems to flare up? Winter might be pleasant for us after an intense summer, but it could be extremely harsh for those suffering from arthritis. The chilling season can make the stiff and inflamed joints even worse, turning usual tasks into challenging ones. If you have arthritis or someone around you does, you know how frustrating it can be to wake up and feel that your joints have locked up or are throbbing with pain. But the good news is that with the right care and health tips for arthritis, one can manage arthritis symptoms in winter.
In this blog, we’ll explore why winter worsens arthritis symptoms and helpful tips for managing joint health during the colder months.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis refers to more than 100 joint-related conditions. The most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both leads to joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and other symptoms.
- Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage due to wear and tear over time.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory illness, produces inflammation and joint abnormalities in the knees, hips, and spine, particularly in elderly persons.
Both of these can result in limited mobility and a declining quality of life. Fortunately, there are treatments and tips to help manage arthritis symptoms.
Why Winter Makes Arthritis Worse?
As winter hits and temperatures drop, many arthritis patients suffer from worsening discomfort. The precise explanation for this condition is still being investigated by experts, although several elements contribute to increasing arthritis pain in the colder months:
- Cold Weather Slows Circulation
In cold weather, our blood arteries contract, limiting blood flow to specific parts of the body, particularly the joints. This decreased circulation can further lead muscles to tighten, resulting in stiffness and pain in the affected joints. Although the body’s natural response to cold is to prioritize warmth in the core, it enables arthritis symptoms and discomfort to shoot up.
- Increased Sensitivity to Pain
Winter can make the body’s pain receptors more sensitive. This increased sensitivity causes the body to be more sensitive to pain, even when joints are under normal conditions. Hence, arthritis patients can feel a sharp pain in their affected knees or wrists on a cold day.
- Changes in Barometric Pressure
Barometric pressure drops in the winter, affecting the tissues around your joints. This sharp drop in pressure causes the tissues to expand somewhat, putting more strain on already inflamed joints, resulting in swelling and pain.
- Lack of Vitamin D
Many people suffer from vitamin D deficiency throughout the winter months due to the shorter hours of sunlight penetrating during the day. Vitamin D is required for bone and joint function, and a deficiency in vitamin D can cause increased pain and stiffness. Since sun rays are the primary source of vitamin D, reduced exposure to it during the winter months can make bones and joints more susceptible to injury and inflammation.
Tips to Manage Arthritis Pain in Winter
While winter could trigger additional challenges, there are plenty of tips to keep you going through and managing painful symptoms. Here are some effective tips for getting through the winter with less discomfort:
- Maintain a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Indulging in a healthy, balanced diet plays a crucial role in managing overall health and well-being. It’s the same mantra applied to those who are dealing with arthritis. Certain foods can help reduce inflammation, while some foods could exacerbate the symptoms.
- Consume Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), flax seeds, walnuts, and chia seeds. Also include plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants in your diet
- Avoid processed foods, sugary treats, and excessive alcohol can help minimize inflammation. These foods can increase pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body, which may worsen arthritis symptoms.
- Exercise Regularly
Staying active during the winter is crucial for managing arthritis pain. While it could be difficult to move during the cold weather, regular exercise and warm-ups can help to maintain flexibility and strengthen your joints.
- Low-impact exercises, such as swimming, cycling, or walking, are ideal for those with arthritis. These movements will not put excessive strain on the joints, but they will aid in increasing mobility and minimizing stiffness.
- Regular stretching exercises, particularly for the hands, knees, and back, can maintain joint flexibility. Gentle stretches increase blood circulation, which reduces joint stress and stiffness.
- Stay Warm
It might seem simple, but staying warm is one of the best things you can do to manage arthritis pain in the winter. Cold temperatures can make your joints stiffen and become more painful.
- Dress warmly in layers, especially while going outside. Consider wearing thermal gloves, shawls, and socks to keep your body warm.
- Using heating pads and consuming lukewarm water during winter helps relax your muscles and ease joint pain. Although winter makes you feel less thirsty, it yet mandatory to consume enough water throughout the day.
- Consider Pain Relief Products
If you find that the winter temperature aggravates your arthritis symptoms, there are several topical treatments that may help.
One such over-the-counter treatment is Healing Pharma’s Orthojoint Pain Relief Oil, a natural blend of Ayurvedic ingredients that are scientifically backed to ease joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Massage this oil into your painful joints to reduce stiffness and enhance blood circulation.
Final Thoughts
While winter does pose additional challenges for those living with arthritis, it doesn’t mean that you need to suffer in silence. By taking proactive steps to manage arthritis pain and protect your joints in winter, you can reduce the impact of cold weather on your arthritis symptoms. To know more about arthritis pain and other helpful joint tips, keep reading!
