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Most people over the age of 45 experience some form of persistent or chronic pain that starts affecting their daily activities. One common area of pain is joint pain, which can limit mobility and make it difficult to perform physical activities like walking or climbing stairs. The leading cause of joint pain is osteoarthritis, and its burden is increasing in India, with nearly 62.35 million people suffering from it in 2019. With the winter months approaching, people with arthritis experience an increase in joint pain and stiffness, making daily activities more challenging.
However, with effective strategies, arthritis pain can be managed. In this blog, we will explore what is arthritis, what causes joint pain to exacerbate during winter, and practical tips to get joint relief.
Synopsis
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis refers to a disease in which the joints get damaged, leading to swelling, pain, and stiffness in one or more joints. It can affect people of all ages and is more common in joints of hands and wrists, knees, hips, feet and ankles, shoulders, and lower back. Joint pain is the main symptom of arthritis, which typically worsens with age and cold weather.
There are more than 100 types of arthritis. The most common ones are osteoarthritis (wear and tear), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition), gout (accumulation of uric acid crystals), ankylosing spondylitis (affects joints near the lower back), psoriatic arthritis (affects people with psoriasis), and juvenile arthritis (in kids and teens).
Arthritis in the knee is more common, and when it gets worse, Knee Replacement Surgery is generally recommended. There is no cure for arthritis pain; only its symptoms, such as joint pain, swelling, etc., can be managed.
Why Does Arthritis Pain Worsen in Winter?
While cold temperatures cannot cause arthritis, they can worsen joint pain. There are several theories about what causes joint pain to increase during the winter, triggering discomfort for people with arthritis. These include:
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Blood circulation slows down, leading to the accumulation of inflammation mediators, causing stiffness, muscle spasms, and increased pain in joints.
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Pain receptors get more sensitive, causing an increase in pain and discomfort.
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Reduced physical activity during winter can cause joints to become stiff.
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Lower atmospheric pressure during winter can lead to swelling and pain in the joints.
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Muscle tension can occur due to cold weather, adding more strain to joints.
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Less exposure to vitamin D during winter due to less sunlight can weaken bones and joints, aggravating arthritis pain.
Tips for Managing Arthritis Pain in Winter
Joint pain can become unbearable during the winter months, alleviating the discomfort for arthritis patients. But with proper medication and some lifestyle modifications, one can easily sail through these cold winter months.
Here are some knee joint pain home remedies to get joint relief during the winter:
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Eating a Joint-Friendly Diet: Diet can play an important role in strengthening bones and fighting inflammation. Add foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish like salmon, tuna, or mackerel, flaxseeds, and walnuts, as these help reduce inflammation in the joints. In addition, eat a nutritious and balanced diet and add antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as berries and leafy greens. Limit the consumption of processed foods.
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Staying Active: Exercise is the best way to improve movement and relieve pain in people with arthritis. This is the most effective non-drug treatment. It also improves energy and strengthens muscles, providing support to joints. During winter, indoor exercise options such as yoga, indoor walking or cycling, and aerobics can be considered. Warm up before any exercise to ease joint movement. It is recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercises along with 2 strength training sessions in a week. It's always better to consult with your doctor before following any exercise regimen.
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Keeping Joints Warm: Keeping the joints warm helps relax muscles, reduce stiffness, and alleviate pain. Layer up in warm clothing during winter to keep joints warm. You can also wear gloves, knee sleeves, or thermal clothing. Take warm showers and baths; use heating pads or electric blankets to soothe aching joints.
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Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Being obese can place extra strain on your joints, leading to arthritis pain. Maintain a healthy weight during the winter by a combination of exercise and a healthy diet. This will not only improve your overall health but also improve your arthritis symptoms, reducing pain and stiffness along with preventing further joint damage.
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Medication, Therapy, and Supplements: If the pain gets unbearable during the winter months, it's advisable to consult with the doctor. They may prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to provide joint relief. Also, supplementing the body with vitamin D and other supplements can provide relief from arthritis pain, but take them on the recommendation of your doctor. Massage therapies and other physical therapies can improve joint flexibility and strength.
Along with the above useful tips, stay hydrated and practice meditation, acupuncture, deep breathing, and other mindfulness exercises to manage pain.
Consult our orthopaedics hospital in Mukundapur if you need rheumatoid arthritis treatment or arthritis pain relief.
Conclusion
While winter can be challenging for those with arthritis, it doesn’t mean you have to live with that pain. With the right approach—such as staying warm, staying active, and managing your diet—you can continue to enjoy an active, comfortable life even when temperatures drop. Always remember to consult with an orthopaedic specialist at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, for your arthritis pain. These are helpful therapies, but only a specialist can provide a tailored treatment for joint pain and a management plan that suits your specific needs.
FAQ's
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout are all potential sources of joint discomfort. Aside from arthritis, joint pain can be caused by any trauma or misuse of joints, a bacterial or viral infection that affects joints, and age-related deterioration.
Arthritis pain can last for a lifetime, but it can be constant or may come and go. With the right treatment, such as medications and therapies, arthritis pain can be managed, improving your quality of life.
There is no particular cure for arthritis. Only its symptoms can be managed using medications and natural therapies like yoga, warm compresses, acupuncture, and by eating joint-friendly foods.
Yes, the advancement of arthritis can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle, protecting joints, managing blood sugar and blood pressure, being active, and maintaining a healthy weight.
You can schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, by contacting us or visiting our website.
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