Do you have arthritis? If so, you might be more aware of the weather than usual. Weather changes, especially during the cold winter season, can intensify your arthritis symptoms or trigger arthritis flare-ups. The winter months may be the time of year when you most need to actively manage your arthritis, including symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
At the Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, located in Tomball, Kingwood, and Conroe, Texas, Dr. Michael Blackwell and his team provide ongoing treatment and support for people living with arthritis.
We’re here to help with arthritis in all parts of your body, from hand and wrist to foot and ankle joints. In this blog, Dr. Blackwell gives you expert guidance on managing arthritis in the winter.
Why does this season pose such a problem for arthritis sufferers? Here’s what you need to know.
When temperatures drop, your muscles and joints naturally tend to stiffen up, even if you don’t have arthritis. Cold temperatures also tend to slow the circulation of blood through your body, and even impact the synovial fluid that lubricates your joints. All of these weather-related changes can lead to flare-ups for arthritis patients.
There’s also the question of barometric pressure. Studies show that barometric pressure changes are often perceived by arthritis patients due to correlated increases in joint pain and other symptoms.
Finally, your winter lifestyle and behaviors contribute to your whole-body health during this time of year. While you don’t want to risk a fall on ice, staying inside during the winter lessens the amount of healthy exercise you get, and contributes to joint deterioration and dysfunction.
You’re most likely to struggle with winter weather flare-ups if you have osteoarthritis in your hips or knees, or if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Your seasonal complaints are likely to increase as you get older, or if you have a history of previous surgeries or joint injuries.
Morning joint stiffness, increased joint stiffness, joint pain, and difficulty with mobility can all improve with the right approach to arthritis management. Use these tips and tricks to get through the cold months of the year.
Focus on keeping your body warm, using layered clothing to keep the cold from affecting you too deeply. You can also warm up with a warm shower or bath, or safely use heating pads to soothe painful joints.
Some people experience more dehydration in the winter months. Drink fluids to stay hydrated, and, if you think a dry home environment could be contributing to your symptoms, try using a humidifier.
When you go outside, use good-quality socks and gloves to protect your hands and feet. Non-slip shoes and boots help to avoid falls. And, remember to stretch in order to warm up your joints and muscles before you go out.
If you’d rather not exercise outside during the winter, make sure to fit in active time indoors. Yoga, stretches, and in-place movements loosen up your joints and keep your muscles strong. If you have an accessible pool, swimming can be great for gentle wintertime exercise.
For support with persistent arthritis symptoms and daily mobility issues, including personalized advice on the right treatments and strategies to use to manage your condition, contact the Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine online or over the phone and schedule your appointment today.
