Introduction
Perhaps you’ve experienced a flare-up of nagging joint pain brought on by the onset of winter. As the weather begins to cool down, there are increased chances you may start experiencing joint pain.
Nature has given us different climates. Most people value the cold weather the most because it provides them with a unique sense of pleasure and fun. But some people, who have arthritis or are of an older generation, may not find winters as pleasant, and the sensation is so finely tuned that they can easily foretell the weather changes based on their current joint health.
Although there is no known cause yet, individuals who have chronic joint conditions, such as different forms of arthritis, will agree that chilly weather and joint pain are inextricably linked.
Want to know more about why joint pain increases when it’s cold? Some factors may be responsible for why joint pain gets aggravated when the temperature drops.
Causes of joint pain in winter
Thickening of joint fluid
Synovial fluid, also called synovia, plays an important role in our joints. The fluid is usually present within the joints and is responsible for absorbing shocks and impacts. It is already a thick fluid. In winter, when the temperature drops, the fluid becomes more viscous, increasing the chances of joint pain. This thickness of the synovial fluid interrupts the free movement of fluids, which in turn makes the joints stiffer.
Barometric pressure changes
Barometric pressure, in its simplest form atmospheric pressure, is one of the primary factors that cause pain in joints during winter. It is a pressure that is considered to be the weight of the air, which changes according to the weather. In summer, the atmospheric pressure increases, whilst in winter, it decreases. This causes the joint tissues to expand slightly, leading to joint pain.
Increased nerve sensitivity
The sensitivity of the nerve can be increased in patients who have current or past joint injuries. A number of orthopaedic patients experience symptoms such as inflammation, pain, scarring, and adhesions. All these symptoms cause the nerve to become hypersensitive in chilly weather, resulting in agitated joint pain.
Cold and high humidity
Higher humidity and colder temperatures are together the main causes of joint pain. Despite the lack of established research, some studies believe that cold temperatures and high-humidity environments are harmful to bone and cartilage cells.
Sedentary lifestyle
It is so straightforward that most of us are less active during cold times. Since regular physical exercises add flexibility and stretchability to the joints, extended periods of inactivity can lead to worsening joint conditions.
Ways to prevent joint pain during cold weather
Here we are helping you with some important suggestions you should follow in order to get rid of increasing joint pain during winter.
You can also read: 6 Natural Ways to Beat Arthritis
Stay warm
It is one of the most common and easiest suggestions that helps to reduce joint pain from cold weather. Using indoor heaters, electric blankets, deep-warm woollen clothing, and even warming your car helps to prevent the thickening of joint fluid and thus reduces joint pain.
Combat inflammation
As soon as you get to experience any swelling near your joints, it is better to take preventive measures at an early stage otherwise you may face major complications. The solution to prevent swelling is to wear snug gloves and warmer clothes, joint braces, and bands.
Stay active
An active lifestyle is always helpful in achieving a better lifestyle as well as reducing the extent of health risks. Even if you feel cold, it is always suggested to stay active or mildly active to keep your body in an optimal state. Make some time to do daily stretches to keep your joints healthy and mobile.
How to start an active day? Click now.
Improve mood
The cold, dark, and damp weather can have the psychological effect of lessening your tolerance to joint pain. Therefore, it is recommended to indulge in activities that make you feel happy and figure out things that can give you better sleep cycles and proper nutrition. All these factors can help improve your mood and keep your spirits high, even make it easier for you to tolerate pain in the joints.
Painkillers or pain medications
Sometimes, you might experience unbearable pain while moving your joints, which makes it difficult to do routine activities. In some situations, most of us get dependent on painkillers or over-the-counter medications that can be dangerous for our overall health and well-being if consumed in excess or regularly.
We strongly recommend you consult with a doctor before taking any anti-inflammatory drugs. One should also take precautions and follow instructions given by the orthopaedic physician with regard to the type of drugs, its dosage, and frequency of use.
Final thoughts
A large number of individuals, nowadays, are facing joint issues, in particular during the winter months. With the help of the above-mentioned suggestions, you can take care of your joint health in every circumstance.
If you are the one who is concerned more about winter joint pain than the chilly weather, this blog is for you. Injuries and joint medical conditions are extremely painful and can be treated as soon as you experience the symptoms.
It is preferable to get an Arthritis Factor Test right away to know more about the extent of joint infection. You should also book a genetic test if you are a patient with persistent arthritis or joint pain to get detailed information about the exact causes of joint pain. You can also predict any predisposition to joint-related issues.
FAQs: frequently asked questions
Q1. Why do my knees hurt more in the cold?
Ans.
When atmospheric pressure drops, it causes the joint tissues to expand slightly, leading to joint pain.
Q2. How can I reduce knee pain in the winter?
Ans.
Staying warm, wearing warm clothes, and covering your knee joints with braces and bands can help lower knee pain.
Q3. Which fruit is good for knee pain?
Ans.
Apples, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are some of the fruits that reduce joint pain as well as inflammation.
Q4. What is the simple home remedy for knee pain?
Ans.
A hot and cold compress is the best remedy to provide you with short-term pain relief.
Q5. What helps lower knee pain in cold weather?
Ans.
To lower knee pain, use a heat compress to improve blood circulation and loosen knee muscles.
Written by: Anjali Dharra
