Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
Do you suffer from arthritis? Do you want to know how to deal with joint pain during the rainy season?
Then continue reading to learn more about the important suggestions provided in the article below and start using them right away!
The basics of arthritis
Arthritis is not a single disease; rather, it is a blanket term for a variety of joint inflammation disorders. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are two of the most frequent kinds of arthritis.
Arthritis is most common in people over the age of 65. It is also more common in women than in males, and it is also more common in obese people.
It can result in various symptoms, including:
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Limited range of motion
If you have arthritis, you may find that the levels of pain in joints fluctuate with the seasons.
Research is still underway on why this happens, or if there is any link at all between the two.
However, anecdotal data from arthritis patients is clear: certain weather conditions can certainly make arthritic pain worse or better.
The arthritis-weather connection
There’s plenty of evidence that suggests that arthritis pain is affected by the monsoon seasons.
Many arthritis sufferers experience increased symptoms before and during rainy days.
Cold, rainy weather is frequently preceded by a reduction in pressure.
This decrease in pressure may cause previously irritated tissue to expand, increasing pain.
If you have arthritis, you must be particularly cautious during the rainy season as you may be more sensitive to pain during monsoon.
You may experience increased inflammation of one or more joints and pain and stiffness.
Also, morning joint stiffness may be more prevalent during the rainy season and your joints may seem less mobile and flexible.
Exercise daily
If you have arthritis, you should do some physical activity daily to keep your joints mobile.
Joint-friendly physical activity — such as walking, biking, stretching, dancing or perhaps practising yoga — can help to ease arthritis pain.
Heavy workouts should be avoided, especially if you have a chronic case of arthritis because they might cause joint pain and injury.
Use hot and cold compresses
Doctors and physical therapists often recommend hot and cold therapy to soothe the aching or stiff joints and stiffness throughout the rainy season and to increase mobility.
Together, both these methods are frequently combined to temporarily relieve arthritis pain.
Avoid using air conditioning
Because temperature plays a significant role in the pain relief cycle, using air conditioning can aggravate some of the symptoms of arthritis, making pain management more difficult.
Various studies have found that when the AC is turned on for a prolonged period, the room temperature becomes relatively low causing joint pain, which may become rheumatic over a period of time.
Drink plenty of water
Staying adequately hydrated is essential for dealing with joint pain throughout the rainy season.
Drinking plenty of water will aid in the preservation of joint flexibility and reduce inflammation.
Eat a well-balanced diet
Anti-inflammatory items must be included in your diet. Tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, whole grains, lean protein, nuts, beans, eggs, yoghurt, avocados, berries, broccoli, flax seeds, salmon, carrots, ginger, walnuts, pineapple, turmeric, and celery are all good choices.
Avoid processed, junk, and canned foods, as well as alcohol and smoking.
Take a warm shower
During the monsoon, a warm bath is one of the best ways to treat pain and relax stiff, tense, and sore muscles.
Research has shown warm water therapy works wonders for all kinds of arthritis pain.
This is because the heat of the water can assist in improving blood circulation and help loosen inflammatory chemicals in your joints that cause arthritis symptoms.
Final thoughts
Everyone is affected differently by the weather. It could seem to make all the difference in the world, or it could have no effect at all.
If you observe that your discomfort changes with the weather, you should consult your doctor about techniques to manage discomfort.
To prevent the worsening of the symptoms and to reduce the impact of arthritis, you should undergo an early diagnosis upon experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms.