Winter solace has passed, but just as the nights are getting lighter, the temperature seems to be dropping, and as with previous years, it is set to last until early spring.
Every year around January, we see an influx of patients attending the surgery with joint pain such as arthritis.
How does cold weather make joint pain worse?
There is no clear evidence as to why cold temperatures cause joint pain to become more painful; however, studies have found a link in atmospheric pressures or barometric pressure.
It has been suggested that as temperatures change, the pressure inside the joint changes with it. This is thought to increase the pressure on the nerves, and the surrounding tendons, muscles and tissues to expand, causing pain within the joint.
How do I care for my joints in cold weather?
Whatever the cause, painful joints affect over 8.5 million people in the UK every year, and since there is no cure for joint issues associated with arthritis, taking good care of them is fundamental.
Here are 5 top tips to cold weather and joint care –
1. Keep warm
No matter what your flexibility, durability or age, keeping joints wrapped up and warm is very important. Layering up even when you are exercising will help protect your joints from that cold nippy air.
2. Keep moving
It may be much harder for you to get out and about in the winter months, but it is important to keep those joints moving. Sitting or standing for long periods of time will cause your joints to seize up and become stiff, making it much harder to motivate yourself.
3. Keep the weight down
Christmas always leaves us carrying those few extra pounds, which is the worst time of year to be carrying that extra weight! Keep to a healthy weight, and prevent added pressure on your joints.
4. Eat your greens
And any other omega-3 rich foods such as nuts and salmon. Vitamin K, which is found in dark greens such as spinach will strengthen your bones, while vibrant fruit and veg help maintain cartilage.
5. Embrace the winter
Believe it or not, poor weather and dark nights can affect your mood, and with that, your ability to deal with pain. So, put on some warm clothes, sturdy boots and enjoy what the winter has to offer. If you can’t get out right now, try to exercise and stretch in front of your favourite box set!
Although there may be no cure for your joint condition, there are plenty of ways to treat it if the pain is affecting your day to day life.
Treatments for joint pain
For some, joint pain can be unbearable and not only hinder day to day living but can completely write whole days off.
If you feel that you are being held back due to joint pain, you can explore these treatments –
Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for those who suffer pain due to conditions such as impingement, injury or bad posture.
Ultrasound-guided steroid injections can be used to treat a number of joint problems, including arthritis.
Shockwave therapy can also help with joint pain in some injury cases.
You can also take over the counter medication such as ibuprofen and paracetamol.
If you would like to know more about the non-surgical treatments above get in touch today for accurate diagnosis, assessment and a tailored treatment plan.
