If you have one of the many forms of arthritis, you likely know your symptoms get worse in the winter. It seems that your joints freeze up with the drop in temperature and, in a sense, they do. It’s not just the temperature either. Changes in barometric pressure can also affect the joints, and when you have arthritis, that might mean uncomfortable throbbing as weather systems pass through.
New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine, located in Wesley Chapel, Florida, can help you through the worst of your pain, and they offer up these tips for home care for arthritis pain and prevention in the winter.
Cold weather isn’t a cause of arthritis, even though it might seem like it. Many joints in your body have synovial capsules — membranes that enclose the joint in a lubricating fluid. Just as the oil in your car thickens in cold weather, so does the synovial fluid, particularly in the larger joints commonly affected by arthritis.
Read this list of suggestions and try the solutions that make the most sense and fit easily into your life.
This is perhaps a no-brainer, but staying warm reduces the effects of cold weather. Dress in layers so you can quickly adapt to your surroundings, adding a sweater here or taking off an overcoat there. Add gloves, tights, leggings, or any other extra layers that keep your arthritic joints cozy.
Winter temperatures outside reduce humidity indoors. Synovial fluid is mostly hyaluronic acid, a substance that attracts and captures moisture. Keeping hydrated can boost the volume of liquid in your joints, supporting mobility and flexibility.
Seek out heated pools, hot tubs, or even a warm bath to ease your aches. Arthritis symptoms often vanish in the presence of moist heat. Remember: ease your transition from warmer to cooler temperatures to let your body adapt.
Winter causes vitamin D levels to decline as you spend more time inside. Low vitamin D levels may make you more susceptible to arthritis pain. It can also be responsible for lowered bone density. Spend time in the sun when you can and consider dietary supplements, including milk fortified with this vitamin.
Keeping your weight down, increasing low-impact activity, and a healthy diet full of fresh foods can ease arthritis pain in any season, so maintain these practices year-round. When you can’t stay ahead of arthritis pain, make an appointment with New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine. Our team can help with a range of pain management alternatives. Contact our Wesley Chapel, Florida office by phone or online to book your appointment today.
