Keep Moving to Soothe Arthritis Pain in the Cold Winter Months
Arthritis is an uncomfortable condition to begin with. Unfortunately if you’re wondering, “Is arthritis worse in winter?”, the answer may be “yes”.
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
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.
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.
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 specialist near you, use the BetterPT website or download the BetterPT app. 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.
