How to Manage Arthritis Pain During Winter

The winter chill can make you feel bad about leaving the cosy confines of your warm blanket. It can also make your joints feel stiffer and more painful than before. This is because your blood generally tends to flow towards the core of your body to keep you warmer, higher inflammation, lesser opportunities for exercise and synovial fluid getting more viscous. The atmospheric pressure is lower than usual, which means your joints can pop more often. Let us learn about the importance of continuing exercise even when it is painful. We also give you helpful tips to modify your routine, while staying active indoors.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Managing Winter Arthritis Pain-

Most people think that just resting will help them feel better but it is actually very counterintuitive. When you move your body more often, you reduce the chances of too much pain from affecting you while also retaining your mobility and range of motion in the long run. Regular exercise can help the synovial fluid get warm and in better lubrication. When you don’t move, there is more stiffness and pain, because the fluid is still thick and not warm enough. The type of exercise you do is also important- you will need to stretch, move, basic endurance training and also include some strength training later on. You also get to maintain your body weight – which is an added bonus we can all agree is very enjoyable.

How to Modify Daily Activities to Reduce Arthritis Pain in Winter-

With the chilly weather, going out is not an option for many of us. Add pain in and it can feel excruciating at times. This may tempt you to stay put and chill but that is the last thing you must do. You should instead look for ways to exercise indoors, while also focusing on dressing warm. This can mean wearing gloves, socks., knee warmers and also taking nice warm baths. You can also do some yoga, walk on a treadmill or cycle at home, lift some weights and stretch to cool off after working out. You should talk to your doctor about a personalised exercise plan for best results. They will also be able to stress on the importance of staying active indoors to manage arthritis symptoms effectively.

How to Keep Joints Warm to Prevent Arthritis Pain in Winter –

Keeping yourself warm should be a major priority in the winter. You can do this by dressing in layers- like adding a sweater on top, putting on some socks, gloves and probably a jacket too, if you have to go out. You should consider investing in a good quality massager and heat pad for added comfort. Staying active means wearing proper exercise gear and choosing appropriate footwear to support arthritic joints in winter. Socks can help keep your feet toasty while also keeping your heels safe from cracks and dryness. Scarves can keep your head and neck warm. Lastly, you should keep an eye on your Vitamin D levels and get supplements if your doctor recommends them. We cannot emphasise how much a good quality diet can help in this regard too.

Conclusion

The low pressure, crazy winds and lower temperatures can cause a lot of stiffness and pain for many individuals. Some even suffer from a phenomenon called ‘Raynaud’s Syndrome’ where blood flow gets compromised to the fingers and toes and people feel a sensation of ‘sparklers going off when they move them’. It can be excruciating. For many people, going out may mean a fear of falling too. So, being extra careful and walking on even ground becomes important. So, staying active, eating well and getting some exercise- while also enjoying the holiday season should be your priority not only this winter, but every year from now on!