Contributed by – Healthians Team
Beautiful monsoon is here again! But, are you rejoicing or worried about your health? If you are anxious about your joint pain in monsoon, here is something for you. Many health problems pop up in cold weather; joint pain being one of them. Be it an injured joint, a fractured bone or an arthritic trouble; many people face increased joint pain in monsoons.
While the exact reason and the link are not clear, many people face this issue. Some studies suggest that joint complaints can get aggravated in monsoon due to a variety of factors. It may be due to cold weather, excessive muscle contractions, physical inactivity or other health issues. It may also be influenced by a deficiency of certain minerals or vitamins and essential nutrients. So, do not ignore your joint pain, get yourself evaluated for any joint complaints and plan effective management.
Here are the five most effective ways to manage joint pain in monsoon:
Stay warm
Due to the drop in temperature, monsoon is often accompanied by cold winds, thunderstorms, and torrential rains. While this makes the surroundings very cold, it can affect the joints in some sensitive people. It is hence, important that you protect your joint from the cold and stay warm. Some sensitive people may want to stay indoors, with your home packed well to avoid cold waves from entering in.
Having a warm bath can keep you warm and fresh with improved blood circulation. Warm compresses to the muscular area supporting the affected joint can also help. If you have access to warm water exercises or hydrotherapy, you can choose that too. A tub bath may also work wonders; immerse your painful joint in it and allow the muscles to relax; it will ease the joint pain. Consider using essential oils, if you prefer. You can give a gentle massage with a soothing oil to keep the joint area warm. Wear pants and full sleeved clothes, cover with scarfs, stockings or socks, if you feel very cold. Also, plan a healthy routine that will keep you warm from within.
Plan exercises
Exercises are the best way to keep yourself warm and active during lazy monsoon days. Daily activities will not only keep the joint pain at bay but also make joints strong and flexible. Choose a combination of flexibility and strengthening exercises and remember to add some cardio to it. If you have a particular condition causing joint pain or an injury, physical therapy exercises can help. Practice them at home, as advised and you are sure to stay fit.
Exercises help to strengthen the muscles and tissues supporting the joint, improves blood circulation and prevents swelling and joint pain. Perform mild stretching and some joint exercises daily, depending on your health status. Also, go for a walk, jog or hit the gym for exercises, cycling or treadmill.
Eat right
Your diet also plays a significant role in keeping you healthy in monsoons. Plan a mix of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, with loads of proteins. Ensure you take healthy fats in the form of walnuts, almonds or fatty fish. Dairy makes low-fat milk and dairy products for a calcium boost.
You can surely enjoy a cup of hot drink. Choose green tea, herbal tea, and freshly prepared soups. Add a dash of ginger, herbs, and spices, as you like, to control inflammation. Chicken soup, eggs or pan tossed veggies, with salt and pepper is just perfect. Remember, joint pain in monsoon needs you to stay well hydrated. So sip on water at regular intervals, prefer warm water for better health.
Monitor your health
Your joint pain inevitably means something is going on inside. Get to know that at once. Plan your doctor’s visit, if you are unaware of your health issues. If you are already aware, take necessary precautions and plan follow-up visits, as advised. Take medicines, as prescribed for any existing health problem.
Maintain a healthy weight; losing even few pounds can offer great relief. Keep track of your health. See your doctor, if you note any new symptom or if any complaint worsens. Wear comfortable footwear and adjust your work station, chair or bed to suit your needs.
Get tested
Joint pain may be an annoying complaint, but you can surely manage it by being proactive. People having arthritis suffer from frequent joint pain. Get arthritis tests done to know your risks. Blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and connective tissue disorders may be necessary for some people with joint pain. Tests for inflammatory markers can help to detect joint inflammation and guide the treatment plan. Sometimes, joint pain may also be seen in people having thyroid problems so get the thyroid tests done.
Ageing women and those with a risk of calcium deficiency may be advised calcium tests and bone density test. Monsoon can affect sunlight and influence the synthesis of vitamin D in some people. So, vitamin deficiency too can be one of the causes of your joint pain in monsoon. Get tested for vitamin D and plan proper treatment.
Monsoon is an enjoyable season, so why let your joint pain spoil the fun? If you decide, there is a lot you can do about your joint pain. Be active during the day, eat right, sleep well at night and rest, when required. Keep your joints active, but avoid overdoing any activity. Listen to your body signals and maintain a balance.
“Plan your preventive check” and “healthy routine” to keep the joint pain away and enjoy every day of “good health”.
