What you need to know about winters and joint discomfort, and how to avoid it are all included in this guide.
Finally, the cold weather is here. The coolness in the air may create stiffness, aches, and pains or intensify an already existing muscular or joint discomfort for certain people during this time of year. What you need to know about winters and joint discomfort, and how to avoid it are all included in this guide.
When it’s chilly outside, why does joint discomfort start or worsen?
There are a few possibilities out there, but the actual reason is still a mystery. Muscle and joint pain might result from blood being diverted away from the limbs to keep the core body temperature stable in cold conditions.
At lower temperatures, muscles become more tense, resulting in discomfort and stiffness. It’s also possible that a drop in air pressure causes joints, muscles, and tendons to become inflamed, which results in discomfort. The synovial fluid that lubricates and nourishes the joints in the body grows thicker (more viscous) throughout the winter, which may cause joint stiffness.
Finally, a lack of physical activity and exposure to sunshine during the winter months may cause Vitamin D insufficiency, which can cause discomfort and stiffness.
What can you do to alleviate joint discomfort in the winter?
- Take care of yourself: Comfortable clothes may help alleviate pain by retaining heat in the body and keeping the joints warm. As you become older, it’s important to keep your joints elastic and flexible by exercising frequently. Increasing blood flow and lubrication to the joints are two additional benefits. Prior to beginning your workout or fitness programme, warm up.
- Maintaining a healthy weight throughout the winter months might lead to weight increase due to changes in food habits and decreased physical activity. Increased stress on key joints, such as the knees, increases the likelihood of developing or worsening joint discomfort. Reduced weight may help alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Consuming enough amounts of water as well as a well-balanced diet helps alleviate tiredness and muscular soreness caused by dehydration. Ensure that you drink enough water throughout the day. Bone and joint health depends on a well-balanced diet rich in critical minerals like calcium and vitamin D. Prevent joint discomfort by limiting your intake of salt (sodium), sweets, refined carbs, and processed foods. You should talk to your doctor about taking calcium and vitamin D supplements if you fear you aren’t receiving enough calcium and vitamin D through your diet or lack of exposure to sunshine.
- Using a hot water bag or an electronic heating pad to soothe hurting joints is a good idea. Warm baths may also help ease muscular tension and alleviate joint discomfort. However, ice packs should be used instead of heat fomentation in cases of acute injuries or sprains.
