Even though winters may not directly cause arthritis, the cold is believed to exacerbate the aches and pains that come with the autoimmune condition. According to experts, people with arthritis may find the winter months challenging for a number of reasons. There are extra difficulties with arthritis in the winter season, such as changes in barometric pressure and stiffer blood vessels around joints, which are easily resolved with a few alterations in lifestyle. When the temperature drops, staying active, exercising regularly, maintaining good posture, and avoiding high-impact activities are some of the things that can help you manage the crippling disease.
Wintertime lifestyle adjustments for arthritis sufferers include the following:
- Investing in home heating, winter clothing, and other warm-weather necessities.
- Exercises like brisk walking in the sun or gym activities serve to improve joint function in addition to raising metabolic heat. Additionally, engaging in sporting activities may benefit both your body and mind.
- Eating a balanced diet, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, seafood, nuts, and seeds; vitamin D supplements are also recommended.
- Warm baths, warm pool exercise, and warm pool swimming all help to keep the body warm.
- Avoid motions with high impact and repetition, such as running, jumping, high-impact aerobics, and repeatedly performing the same action, like a tennis serve.
- Give up smoking. Smoking stresses connective tissues, which can exacerbate the discomfort of arthritis.
- It’s crucial to protect the skin surrounding the joints because when it dries up, it generates a burning feeling there.
- Moisturizers with vitamins A and E will relieve the discomfort.
- Enough sun exposure (Vitamin D) will support bone growth and health.
- Warm tub baths can help people with rheumatoid arthritis feel better.
- Exercise aids in the release of enough synovial fluid from the knees to improve movement.
- Winter joint and bone health will benefit from a balanced diet rich in vitamin D and vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, ginger, soy beans, fatty salmon, green vegetables, nuts and seeds, enough of water, and other collagen supplements.