In this article, we’ll get to know about the reasons why the pain of arthritis gets worse in winter and what you can do to manage your arthritis symptoms at home. We’ll also get to know about arthritis treatment.
If you are suffering from arthritis then you’ll agree with me that the symptoms of arthritis get worse in winter but have you ever thought about why arthritis symptoms get worse in winter?
Arthritis is a condition in which the person develops inflammation in the joint which leads to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Arthritis mainly affects the hands, knee, hip, shoulder, feet, and ankle joints. However, it can affect any joint in the body.
Why does arthritis pain get worse in winter?
- There are no reasons why people with arthritis experience more pain in winter but the most accepted reason is that during winter, due to cold temperatures outside our blood vessels get constricted due to which there is a decreased blood flow in the body and this makes our heart and other organs warm. but the slow blood circulation can cause muscle spasms and hence pain and stiffness in the joints.
- According to the researchers, cold temperature also causes the thickness of the joint fluid which leads to stiffness and pain in the joints.
- Another reason is that bones and connective tissues expand and contract in response to the barometric pressure or atmospheric pressure which further leads to the pressure on the joints and can cause pain and stiffness in the joints.
Arthritis pain Homes remedies for the winter season
There are some tips that you can incorporate into your daily life and can manage arthritis pain in the winter. The best tips for the management of arthritis pain in winter are listed below:
- Keep yourself warm: if your joints don't like the cold temperature then the best thing you can do is keep yourself warm. Layer yourself properly with sweaters, jackets, hats, socks, etc. You can also take hot water to release some stiffness from the joint.
- Physical exercise: exercise is the best antidote for stiffened joints. It increases the flexibility in the body as well as happy hormones which can ease the pain. Make sure to start slow. avoid heavy weightlifting and focus on more stretching and flexibility-related exercises.
- Anti-inflammatory diet: a healthy diet cannot help with your pain but it can help you in inflammation you can incorporate foods that are proven to decrease the inflammation in the body. There are many foods that are proven to decrease inflammation such as green teas, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C-rich foods, seafood, etc. Also, avoid fried foods, excess sugar intake, limit alcohol consumption, etc.
- Healthy body weight: it should be the goal for all the people suffering from arthritis as the more the body weight, the more pressure on the joints, so try to reduce your body weight with a balanced diet and physical exercises and make your joints happy.
- Vitamin D levels: keeping track of your vitamin D levels is important especially in winter due to decreased exposure to the sun our levels of vitamin D decreased and we all know that the low level of vitamin D in the body directly affects our bone health so monitor your vitamin D level and if needed incorporate vitamin D rich foods and supplements of vitamin D in your diet
- Avoid accidents: watch your steps and avoid falling or any other type of accident that can affect your joint and cause more stiffness in the joint especially in the winter season
Medicine for arthritis
- For the management of arthritis disease. Your healthcare provider may prescribe you DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) such as sulfasalazine, methotrexate, etc
- For arthritis pain, your doctor may prescribe you analgesics such as acetaminophen, diclofenac, etc
Note: Before starting any medicines consult with your doctor first.
To seek Free Consultation from the Doctor:
- Contact: Dr. Ravin Sharma, (MBBS, MD in Radiology)
- Available: 24*7*365
- Phone Number: +91 9212125996
A note from Ganesh Diagnostic Center
Arthritis is the most common condition, especially for old age people, and its symptoms get worse, especially in winter but you are not alone in this situation, you don't need to fight arthritis alone, get help from your family and friends and if needed consult with your healthcare provider.
