Arthritis: Five ways to STOP arthritis pain and symptoms this winter
ARTHRITIS can feel worse during the cold winter months, as flare-ups can be exaggerated, increasing pain and aches around the joints. Follow these five tips to fight arthritis symptoms this winter.
This Morning's Dr Chris gives advice on arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition causing pain, swelling and stiffness of certain joints.
Symptoms can occur all year round, which are accentuated during periods of flare-ups.
In the winter, symptoms can feel worse, as the cold weather takes its toll on achy and painful joints.
Alex Clark, in-house physiotherapist at medical device maker Neo G, provides his tips on how to fight arthritis symptoms this winter.
For those with arthritis, the autumn and winter months can be a season of discomfort, with cold and damp weather increasing aches and pains in bones and joints
“For those with arthritis, the autumn and winter months can be a season of discomfort, with cold and damp weather increasing aches and pains in bones and joints,” said Clark.
“However, it is possible to reduce the pain and symptoms of arthritis.”
Keep warm and layer up
Even if you feel warm enough, adding an extra layer or two, especially over joints and achy areas, can be beneficial, advises Clark.
Wearing arthritis gloves or thicker socks can can ease pain in the hands and feet, by providing warmth and compression, and aiding circulation, comfort and mobility.
Adapt your workout
Exercising outside may not always be ideal during the winter, so Clark advises adapting your exercise routine to the indoors.
“Swimming is a great alternative and if you’re lucky enough to have access to a heated pool – even better.”
“Warm water stimulates blood flow to stiff muscles and frozen joints, making a warm bath tub or pool an ideal place to do some gentle stretching.”
Time it right
If your joints are often stiffer when you first wake up, Clark advises leaving your daily workout to later in the day, when your joints have loosened up and it’s warmer outside.
“Getting enough sleep will also help ease this, so a regular routine and bedtime won’t hurt.”
“If you really feel the cold first thing, try popping your clothes in the dryer before putting them on, which will help warm you up quicker.”
Warm up
Before going outside, a gentle, low impact warm up and stretch of all major muscle groups will help protect your joints from the cold for a little bit longer.
“By warming your core you loosen your joints and increase the flexibility of your muscles – just as crucial for a walk in the park as it is for some early Christmas shopping.”
Take a supplement
Finally, Neo G advises taking a supplement to give bones and joints a boost through the colder months.
Supplements may not totally eliminate arthritic pain, but can help ease symptoms.
Vitamin D and calcium support growth of healthy bones, while copper helps maintain everyday joint health.