Simple tips to prevent worsening of Arthritis in Winter Season

If you suffer from arthritis, your body can sense the change in weather. While autumn doesn’t keep you away from doing the things you love, winters can surely do! As the temperature drops, joint pains and stiffened muscle flares up frequently, making it difficult for sufferers to perform daily tasks or simply get around.

Arthritis can happen at any age, that’s why we have accumulated simple yet effective tips to prevent joint pain and discomfort that can occur with winter chills.

How does the cold affect Arthritis?

 

Winter doesn’t necessarily make arthritis worse, but people with the condition can feel it more. Performing certain activities against an already weak joint could be troublesome irrespective of any season. However in winters, drop in temperature can cause tissues to become swollen leading to build-up of tension between joints. As a result, patients suffer from cracking, persistent pain in the affected joint. 

Also, reduced blood circulation to hands and feet and lack of sunlight exposure triggers the arthritis pain.

Ways to manage Arthritis during Winter season

 

You might have been prescribed medications to control arthritis pain but adapting natural ways could be more helpful for reducing complications associated with the disease. To control your arthritis from worsening, try-out the following methods:

 

•         Protect your Extremities
  

First thing you need to do is to keep the arthritis symptoms in check! Staying warm and cozy makes a shield for the joints from the cold exposure. The best way is to dress in layers. Gloves, scarves, socks, and jackets are the basic clothing pieces to cover up hands, feet, and knees. It is important to remember that more layers of clothes work better at trapping body heat than thicker clothes. Add a layer of fleece, and top with a breathable outer layer while going out. Do not overdress!

 

•         Drink plenty of fluids

   

A well-hydrated body is more flexible which reduces inflammation and pain of joints. While staying hydrated is essential to flush out the toxins of the body, it also keeps joints lubricated and maintains flexibility. For arthritis, keeping your hydration level adequate is highly necessary to avoid nocturnal cramps and muscle spasm. If plain water doesn’t help, try adding berries, or fresh slices of cucumbers and have it as a detox drink. You can have green or black tea (one cup in a day) that have strong anti-inflammatory effects.

 

•         Choose Active lifestyle

   

Low-impact exercises play a key role in maintaining bone health for arthritis survivors. No matter what, if movement seems difficult, go for a 30 min walk that can help in increasing muscle and bone strength. Do not lift heavy scales or put extra stress on weak joints. Stretching before and after exercise helps to loosen the joints and reduces the risk of injury.

 

•         Soak up the Sunlight

   

Sunlight is the natural source of Vitamin D, which is important for the production of cartilage and helps the body to absorb calcium, leading to strengthening of bones. Going out for an early morning walk is healthy for all seasons. In winters, when it is warmer during the day, wear some loose clothes and perform light movement in the sunlight. 

 

•         Heat Therapy

   

Using heating pads, or hot water bags are the simplest form of warm therapies anyone could access. Keeping feet in a hot water tub, having warm showers or owning electric blankets are effective ways to reap the benefits of therapy. In winters, it can help to improve blood circulation and stimulate receptors in your skin. Also, heat relaxes stiff or tensed muscles that decreases sudden spasms.

Conclusion-

 

Never miss out on your medications and keep regular check-ups a priority in the winter season. If you find difficulty in managing severe symptoms of arthritis, consult your rheumatologist or contact our experts at Prakash Hospital.