Keep Warm & Carry On: Surviving Winter With Arthritis
Why are arthritis symptoms worse during the winter?
When the leaves start falling and the weather starts turning cool, the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints starts acting more like sludge. Cold weather doesn’t cause arthritis, but it can certainly make the pain worse. Cold weather heightens pain sensitivity, slows circulation of the blood and causes muscle spasms.
What to do to keep arthritis pain at bay during the winter:
Stay Warm
Layer and keep your body and joints insulated against the cold. Try using a heating pad while napping.
Get or Keep Moving
The best thing to do to avoid arthritis pain is exercise. Regular exercise helps keep joints mobile and muscles strong, plus it helps boost energy by releasing feel-good hormones that help ease pain. Try incorporating some strength training sessions or consider indoor activities like swimming or yoga.
Stretch
Stretching is a great way to loosen stiff muscles.
Eat Well
Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can help fight inflammation.
Take Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency contributes to bone loss and is also linked to increasing arthritis pain.
Arthritis flare ups during the winter can be challenging but with proper self-care you can minimize the impact of cold weather on your joints.
Acupuncture can be an effective method to treat arthritis pain. During an acupuncture treatment, a number of physiological mechanisms occur. Acupuncture treatments trigger the release of endorphins and enkephalins, which scientists believe reduce the sensation of pain. Acupuncture increases blood flow also helps control inflammation. Studies have shown that patients who receive acupuncture treatments by a licensed acupuncturist felt significantly less pain and enjoy greater daily function.
