Keep Moving to Soothe Arthritis Pain in the Cold Winter Months
Pain Management Conditions for Arthritis and Other Health Issues
Arthritis is an uncomfortable condition to begin with. Unfortunately, if you’re wondering, “Is arthritis worse in winter?”, the answer may be “yes”. This is especially concerning for those that live in cooler climates, or have other underlying conditions like diabetes that require treatment.
Current research doesn’t fully explain the link between joint pain and cold weather. That doesn’t mean arthritis pain and weather changes is just a myth. Studies have shown a correlation between low barometric pressure and body aches.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent or at least reduce discomfort if your arthritis is worse in winter. Staying active is a major one. There’s plenty of evidence to support the belief that movement helps guard against the effects of barometric pressure and body pain. Here are some additional tips for dealing with joint pain in cold weather. The use of physical therapy is recommended, as is being mindful of physical limitations due to age. Geriatric exercise is modified in many cases, but that doesn’t make it any less effective.
Pain & Colder Weather
It’s worth noting that barometric pressure body aches aren’t the only kind of pain someone might experience more often in winter. During the colder months, you’re more likely to huddle inside and avoid physical activity. This is particularly true if you’re suffering from arthritis pain that’s worse in winter.
This inactivity can lead to increased muscle tension and decreased strength. Both contribute to discomfort and the feeling of cold weather pain. Tense muscles become sore. On top of that, if certain muscles become weak enough, the joints no longer have the support they need. They’ll become overstressed as a result. This is another reason you may experience joint pain in cold weather. Joint pain can be improved with physical therapy treatment. Another area of improvement via this method? Muscular issues. For those living with MS or another debilitating diagnosis, physical therapy is a lifesaver.
How Staying Active Can Help Cold Weather Joint Pain
Preventing muscle weakness is a good idea when it comes to avoiding arthritis pain and weather changes. That’s why you should try to stay active. You’ll guard against cold weather joints ache if you continue building and sustaining muscle strength.
Exercise also helps reduce cold weather pain by compensating for temperature shifts. Essentially, the more you work out, the warmer your body becomes. This can counteract the effect of barometric pressure and body aches.
Physical activity (when performed correctly) has the added benefit of reducing muscle tension. You’ll mitigate the impact of arthritis and weather change by adopting a safe workout program and sticking to it throughout the year. Consulting with a physical therapist is the best way to figure out what exercises will be most effective for dealing with pain and cold weather.
Understand Your Limits With Barometric Pressure Body Aches
That said, it’s also important to understand that arthritis and weather change may limit your ability to perform certain exercises. You don’t want to exacerbate your cold-weather pain symptoms by working out beyond your abilities. You also don’t want your bones to ache in cold weather.
Thus, it’s a good idea to work with a professional who can design a safe fitness program that’s tailored to your specific joint pain in cold weather. If cold makes your joints ache, they’ll help you guard against this symptom.
Additional Issues With Arthritis and Pain Management
Arthritis doesn’t only make the joints and muscles ache. It also, in some cases, causes issues like headaches, dizziness, discomfort, and overall body pain. Arthritis most commonly impacts geriatric patients, but that doesn’t mean young people don’t suffer, too. The more you know about arthritis and what it takes to combat it, the better off you’ll be. It’s not the same as dealing with a lower back sprain or strain or a torn rotator cuff, but arthritis treatment addresses pain in a similar manner.
Arthritis pain and weather changes don’t need to cause massive discomfort. You simply need to remember that staying active helps you reduce pain.
A physical therapist can show you how to mitigate your cold weather joint pain and answer any questions relating to, “Is arthritis worse in winter?” To find a physical therapy specialist near you, use the BetterPT clinic location tool website, or download the BetterPT app. Another option is using the BetterTelehealth platform for virtual medical care over the Internet. Don’t know what this is? Learn more from your physical therapy provider today and consider it in the future.
A physical therapist experienced in arthritis pain and weather changes can help diminish and prevent symptoms before they keep you from staying active this season.
