Why Joint Pain Increases In Winter: Do you feel pain and stiffness in your joints when you get up from bed in the morning in winter? If yes, then you are not alone. Scientific research shows that feeling more joint pain during cold weather is a common problem. According to experts, as the cold increases, the veins and blood vessels of the body start shrinking, especially in the hands and feet. This happens so that the body can keep its internal organs like the heart and other vital organs warm. But in this process, the blood flow reaching the joints decreases, due to which stiffness and pain increases.

What do experts say?

Dr. Maria Salgado, Assistant Professor of Rheumatology Department at CUIMC, says that the drop in barometric pressure i.e. air pressure during cold weather can also increase joint pain in some people. Apart from this, people reduce physical activity and exercise in winter, due to which the strength and flexibility of muscles decreases and the pain increases.

Joint pain or arthritis, are they the same?

Often people directly associate joint pain with arthritis, but the two are not always the same. Arthritis is a more common disease than people realize. According to America’s CDC, more than 58 million people there are suffering from some type of arthritis. The most common of these is osteoarthritis, in which the tissue around the joints gradually starts deteriorating and swelling occurs. Whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system itself starts attacking the joints.

How to take care of joints in winter?

Cold weather can increase joint pain, but relief can be found by adopting some easy measures.

wear warm clothes– Keep the body covered and do layering so that the cold does not reach the joints directly. Choose jackets or clothes that have large zips or Velcro to make them easy to wear. Wear shoes with grip to avoid slipping.

stay activeIt is important to do light exercise even in cold. Bathing with hot water in the morning makes the body active quickly. Walking on a treadmill indoors, light yoga, warm water swimming pool or walking in the mall can be good options.

try heat therapy– Applying warmth to painful joints can provide relief from stiffness and pain. Paraffin wax bath is a good method, in which hands are immersed in hot wax. This provides relief to the joints. Use of heating pad can also be beneficial.

maintain a healthy lifestyle– A balanced diet, regular exercise and keeping stress under control helps in managing arthritis and joint pain.

When medicines are needed

If joint pain or arthritis does not come under control despite wearing warm clothes and being active, then it is important to talk to the doctor about medicines. Treatment depends on what is the real cause of pain.

Read this also- Air Purifier Health Risk: Is your air purifier harming your lungs? Doctors gave this warning

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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