Joint discomfort or stiffness is a common complaint as the temperature drops. With the onset of winter, it is crucial to take care of your joint health by eating well, exercising frequently, and taking vitamins. Joint pain might become worse with weather changes. According to specialists, the season’s inactivity and the drop in atmospheric surface tension may make joint pain and stiffness worse.
Aching joints can be caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, other autoimmune disorders, frozen shoulder, and injuries. To prevent joint pain problems, one must also stay away from inflammatory meals such refined carbohydrates, deep-fried foods, sugary desserts, and processed foods. Joint pain can negatively impact your general well-being and daily productivity if it is not treated.
Here are a few suggestions for relieving joint pain in the winter:
1. Dress with warm, light clothes
Wearing layers, especially while going outside, is one of the greatest strategies to reduce joint pain and stiffness during the winter. Make sure you have plenty of jackets, gloves, hats, socks, boots, sweaters, and sweatpants in your winter outfit. The most important thing is to always keep your hands and feet warm and covered. In case of emergency, try to keep extra pairs of socks and gloves in your car and place of employment. Instead of wearing bulky cardigans and sweaters, try to layer on light, warm clothing to prevent putting more pressure on your knees.
2. Perform routine workout
On a freezing winter morning, who wants to leave the cozy security of their blanket go exercise? Well, it’s crucial to stay active because doing so increases bone and muscle strength, which relieves pressure on the joints. Daily low-impact exercises like yoga, pilates, brisk walking, weight training, and swimming are recommended for the best outcomes. This will enhance blood flow, keep your joints flexible, and allow synovial fluid—lubricant—to nature’s be released into the joints.
3. Maintain your weight
Unwanted weight gain might result from holiday celebrations and a lack of exercise because of the cold weather. Even a tiny bit of extra weight can put pressure on your knees and other joints, causing aches and pains to worsen. Strive to stick to a well-planned weight-management plan to keep any additional pounds at bay and reduce the possibility of worsening joint discomfort.
4. Make sure you get enough vitamin D
A sufficient vitamin D consumption is crucial for joint health, especially during the winter when it aids in joint healing. Numerous studies demonstrate that osteoporosis risk and muscle and joint discomfort can both be increased by vitamin D deficiency. By obtaining enough sunlight and including foods high in vitamin D in your regular diet, such as oily fish, egg yolks, orange juice, cereals, and oatmeal, you can maintain normal levels of vitamin D. Additionally, you can take vitamin D pills if a doctor prescribes them for you.
5. Apply heat
By applying heat with the aid of an electric heating pad or a hot water bag, you can relieve your sore joints. To relieve joint pain and relax your muscles, try dipping your joints in warm water or taking a hot bath. Another option is steam therapy. If you have diabetes or other health issues, it is best to avoid using hot water bottles and electric heating pads for an extended period of time.