While the winter season comes with its own charm, our joints do not feel the same way. Our bodies often feel stiff during the cold months. For people who already suffer from joint diseases, like arthritis, the weather brings even greater trouble by exacerbating joint stiffness and pain.

Let\’s look at the reasons behind increased joint pain during winter and how to survive the cold weather.

What Causes Joint Pain During Winter?

Joint pain is usually associated with injuries or ageing. Those that experience joint diseases are mostly older people or athletes. However, in winters, the situation changes a bit. During winters, joint pain can be experienced by many people who usually don’t suffer from it at any other time of the year.

The number one culprit of joint pain during winter is cold, low temperature. Low temperatures cause our bodies to experience muscle spasms, which can aggravate our joints and cause stiffness. The sensitivity of pain receptors in our bodies also increases during winters causing much heightened pain. Vitamin D levels can also fall due to less sun exposure during winters, causing weakened joints and bones.

In extreme weather conditions, when there is a danger of frostbite, blood circulation to our toes and fingers can also decrease. Because of the pressure drop in the environment, our tissues are likely to swell , causing tension and pain in our joints.

 Tips to Manage Joint Pain During Winter

Here is a list of a few simple things you can do at home to survive joint pain during winter:

1. Dress in Warm Clothes

We know it sounds agonizing to put on a jacket, gloves, cap and socks while heading out to just throw the trash, but it\’s super important to keep yourself covered. Your winter wardrobe must contain sweaters, sweatpants, jackets, coats, mittens, beanies, gloves, socks and waterproof boots. The key is to keep your hands and feet warm at all times.

2. Take Vitamin D Supplements

Ensure your vitamin D levels stay normal because a deficiency can increase the risk for osteoporosis. It also increases fatigue and muscle pains and causes frequent mood changes. Ask your doctor to prescribe some vitamin D supplements to combat joint pain.

3. Increase the Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation in joints. Adding them to your diet can prevent your joints from becoming stiff. Consume foods like fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, and avocados rich in Omega-3 fatty acids to survive joint pain during winter.

4. Exercise Regularly

Winters make us lazy. Most of us don\’t even feel like getting out of bed on a cozy winter morning. However, it is essential to keep your body moving! It would help if you exercised regularly to build up your bone and muscle strength as it reduces pressure on joints and chances of pain. Exercising also helps maintain body weight, thereby reducing the pressure on our knees. Stretch and move around to loosen up your joints during winters.

5. Get in Touch with a Professional

If the pain increases and becomes unmanageable, visit a family clinic. irvingprimarycare.com specializes in providing effective treatment options to people suffering from back pain, arthritis or osteoporosis and joint pain during winter. To make an appointment with a physician at irvingprimarycare.com, visit our website. You can also call (469)262-5762 to schedule a consultation today.