Best Ways to Relieve Joint Pains During Winter

Changes in weather, especially during winter when there’s a considerable drop in temperature, can cause aches, stiffness, and pains in various parts of the body. Now, suppose you’re already managing any form of joint pain, whether in the knee, wrist, or ankle, or you’re experiencing neck or back pain. In that case, there’s the tendency to experience increasing pain during the winter season.
However, understanding why your body reacts to weather changes and the steps you can take to reduce the risks of increased pain can help you become more comfortable throughout the season.
Our physiatrist, Dr. Ahmad, has explained in this guide the best ways to relieve joint pains during the winter season in Charlotte, NC. You’ll learn how to maintain the right care and work towards healing your joint pain as the weather turns cold. But before we dive into details, let’s understand why joint pains become worse during winter.
Why Are Joint Pains Worse During Winter?
In Autumn, some individuals may begin to complain about pains in certain parts of the body, and when winter sets in, these pains usually get worse. Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that about 54 million adults in the United States of America have arthritis, and individuals with these conditions claim their symptoms get worse in cold seasons.
While the cause of the worsening condition isn’t conclusive, it’s a general concept that winter brings along with it seasonal illnesses such as cough, congestion, and sore throat, including arthritis.
Some scientists suggest that the narrowing of the blood vessels to keep the body warm and heightened nerve responsiveness during cold increases joint pain. Others believe that the body and joints are affected by changes in barometric pressure in the winter season.
While these are some of the reasons why you experience increasing arthritic pains, the most important thing is to factor in how you can relieve the pain and live comfortably.
Best Ways to Relieve Joint Pain in Cold Weather
If you’re experiencing stiffness or achy bones and joints in colder weather, here are a few things you can do to relieve joint pain in winter:
Keep Your Body Warm
Keeping your body warm during winter not only makes you comfortable but can also relieve arthritis joint pain. The common areas for joint pain are primarily your hands, knees, and hips. To keep these areas warm, dress in warm layers and ensure your hands, hips, and knees are well covered.
You can also use at-home heating items, such as electric blankets and heating pads, to help you relax well. However, if you have any form of nerve damage, such as from diabetes, it’s crucial to be careful when using these heating tools.
Stay Active
If you’re experiencing any form of arthritic pain and you’re already receiving treatment, you already know how beneficial staying active is. Exercising during the cold season not only keeps you fit but also prevents your joints and muscles from getting too stiff. While it can be quite challenging to move around because the weather is cold, there are various ways you can stay active and strengthen your muscles.
Use indoor exercising tools, moderate home exercise, stretching, and other low-impact activities. Swimming is another good choice, especially if you have access to a heated pool.
Eat Balanced and Healthy Meals
Healthy and balanced meals keep your body strong and can improve your muscles and bone strength. Foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties contain supplements that can help relieve joint pains.
The following foods have anti-inflammatory properties:
- Garlic
- Berries
- Green tea
- Turmeric
- Onions, especially the red variety
- Dark green leafy veggies
- Grapefruit
- Avocado
- Nuts
- Oily fish ( they are rich in omega-3 acids)
You can add one or more to your meals during the winter season or even throughout the year to keep your joints healthy and reduce pain from inflammation.
Stack Up Vitamins, Especially Vitamin D
When you’re deficient in vitamin D, it can increase your sensitivity to arthritic pain. It’s common to have vitamin D deficiency during winter, which is due to the fact that you spend more time indoors and aren’t exposed to sunlight. However, it’s also important you seek ways to replenish your body with vitamin D. Talk to your doctor to prescribe the most suitable supplements for you.
Consider Regenerative Treatments from Your Physiatrist
Regenerative joint pain treatments, such as PRP therapy and stem cell therapy, can help provide quick and safe relief for your joints. During the winter, these joint pain treatments help your body heal naturally.
Coupled with the other way to relieve joint pain mentioned above, PRP and stem cell treatments have the ability to repair and heal damaged tissues in the body, effectively minimizing pain in the joints. At Advanced Sports and Spine, we offer joint pain treatments in Charlotte, NC, to help relieve joint pain as much as possible by enhancing your body’s regenerative ability. Contact our physiatrist to learn more.
Get Ready for Winter with Joint Pain Management at Advanced Sports and Spine
The winter season is already upon us, and if you’re experiencing stiffness and achy joints, the tips in this guide can help you manage the pain comfortably. If you seek professional help to manage your joint pains in Charlotte, especially if you have arthritis, Advanced Sports and Spine can provide the treatment you need.
Our physiatrist, Dr. Ahmad, serves the Fort Mill and Charlotte area of North Carolina to help you manage your joint pain and keep you comfortable during the winter season. Schedule an appointment with us today, and let’s help you live comfortably all through winter.
Disclaimer: The benefits of regenerative medicine have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA.