People who experience joint pain in cold weather are uncomfortable, to say the least. Living in Michigan with our deep temps and precipitation can make the darkest, longest months of the year even harder to bear. If you understand your joint pain and how to manage it, you can beat the cold weather side effects, or at least find this season less difficult to manage.
The Simple Science Behind Joint Pain in Cold Weather
Environmental and physical changes occur when the temperature drops. The body can be physically affected and develop pain and stiffness because:
- Fluid in the joints thickens, so there is less lubrication or cushioning of the joints in the cold.
- Blood vessels constrict, which reduces blood flow to extremities to conserve core heat. This makes joints stiffen.
- Air pressure drops, making tissues around joints expand and putting pressure on nerves.
- There is reduced bodily activity in winter, and less movement means muscles weaken, flexibility decreases, and pain increases.
Health Conditions That Worsen Winter Joint Pain
While everyone is susceptible to the side effects of Michigan cold, some people are more taxed by temperature changes:
- If you have an autoimmune disease, especially one that limits mobility, affects weight, or impacts your diet, joint pain could be substantial. Problems like chronic pain and rheumatoid arthritis come with joint-related challenges – low winter temps do not help.
- If you have a preexisting joint injury, cold weather can make the pain return, even if joint problems have been rehabilitated. Osteoarthritis causes inflammation and tissue degeneration leading to stiffness, decreased range of motion, and pain.
- If you are of a certain age, you can naturally expect some limitations when it comes to movement, or perhaps you are undergoing treatment or taking medication for a health condition. Any age-related factor can influence joint health and the ability of joints to withstand cold.
Ways to Keep Joint Pain at Bay in Winter
It’s important to minimize strain on joints in the winter and even baby joints so they get needed TLC and are less likely to succumb to the whims of winter temps. There are several measures you can take to protect your body without exacerbating existing pain
- Wear layers to stay warm and regulate temperature
- Use heating pads and blankets
- Keep moving with gentle exercises like swimming and yoga
- Stay hydrated to keep joint fluids flowing smoothly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet
Visit Your Doctor to Discuss Joint Pain
The smartest thing you can do to minimize joint pain and any discomfort your body experiences in winter is to visit your doctor for personalized care and advice. It is necessary to rule out certain conditions before settling on a diagnosis of joint pain and its cause, especially if you have new or unusual symptoms with your joints like persistent swelling or redness.
The beauty of osteopathy is that it looks at the human body from the inside out, from head to toe. We take all of you into account to uncover a diagnosis. Make an appointment with me, Dr. Jon Swetech, and get on the road to relief from joint pain.
Nothing in this blog is official medical advice. See your doctor for customized care.
