Know Why Your Joints Pain in Winter & Ways to Prevent

Orthopedics & Joint Replacement | by CMRI | Published on 14/11/2022

While the winter season is approaching and comes with its own allure, our joints don’t feel the same way we do. During the winter season, our body begins to feel stiff and rigid. For individuals who already have health conditions like arthritis or suffer from other joint diseases, it brings more challenges for them by augmenting the knee and joint pain in winter.

It is hard to understand why often people experience changes in their joints during the winter season. Usually, people experience knee joint pain in the winter season. So, it becomes crucial that you must know what you can do to prevent joint pain in winter.

This write-up will conclude the efficient comprehension of certain tips that will assist you to keep joint pain at bay.

How does winter affect joints?

Winter is a season that demands additional care for individuals who are exposed to joint pains and already have joint-related health conditions. If you are someone who experiences knee pain in winter, you must be extra cautious. Cold weather causes a reduction in the circulation of blood which also causes finger pain in winter worsening other joint pains. In the winter season, muscles become tighter due to low temperatures which cause stiffness and joint pains. Also, people prefer staying indoors in the winter season and don’t go out often which results in very less exposure to sunlight and as an outcome, it causes Vitamin D deficiency.

What causes joint pain in winter?

Joint pain in winter often is related to injuries or due to growing age. Most of the individuals who experience knee pain in winter are elder people or athletes. Muscle and joint pain in winter can be experienced by a lot of people even who don’t suffer from any joint-related disorders.

One of the main reasons for knee joint pain in winter is low and cold temperatures. Due to low temperatures, bodies tend to come across muscle spasms and augment joints causing stiffness. The pain sensitivity receptor in the human body also in winter enhances because of increased pain.

Due to Vitamin D deficiency, joints tend to experience weakness and hence resulting in joint pain in the winter season. Due to extreme cold weather situations, there is a risk of frostbite, and blood circulation to fingers and toes also reduces. With the sudden pressure drop in the environment, tissues experience swelling, which causes tension including pain in the joints.

How to prevent or treat joint pain in winter?

There are certain tips you can follow to prevent joint pain in winter and they will also work as a treatment:

• Warm clothes: If you want to prevent joint pain in winter and beat the cold weather, you must make sure to wear warm clothes. You must ensure this anytime you head out of the house. Always wear warm sweaters, jackets, coats, mittens, socks, and boots. Ensure that your hands and feet are always warm.
• Vitamin D supplements: As we discussed earlier as well, in winter, we tend to avoid going out due to cold weather and as a result, it causes Vitamin D deficiency. This can impose the risk of osteoporosis, increases muscle pains in winter, and often changes the mood. So, make sure to visit your doctor and suggest good Vitamin D supplements. It will help you in combating joint pain in winter.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are very useful in reducing joint inflammation. Make sure to include them in your regular diet ad it will benefit your joints in winter and prevent them from becoming stiff. You can include walnuts, flaxseeds, avocados, and fish in your diet. You can also consider taking Omega-3 supplements with the recommendation of a doctor to fight joint pain in the winter season.
• Exercising daily: We know the winter season can be very lazy and you don’t feel like coming out of your bed. However, no matter what the season is, it is important to keep your body moving. So, make sure to involve yourself in some physical activity of your choice. It will help in bone and muscle strength reducing the risk of pressure on joints and the probability of pain. It will also help you in maintaining weight during the winter season as most people gain weight.
• Take professional help: If you feel that even after following all the tips, your joint pain is not going away, then you must ensure to visit a professional orthopaedic doctor. They can recommend the right treatment and medication you need to reduce joint pain in winter.

Final thoughts:

We all wait for the winter season to come the whole year but sadly it also brings certain health conditions with it. One of the most common problems is joint pain which becomes the main problem for those who already suffer from joint-related issues. So, it becomes important that you are mindful of certain tips that you can follow to beat the cold weather.

We have given some tips for your understanding that can help you with managing pain in joints in winter. You should include them in your daily routine and if you see that they are not working out for you, make sure to reach out to professional help.

FAQs:

Is joint pain common in winter?

Yes, joint pain in winter is among the health conditions that can be experienced by every age group. However, the most targeted individuals are elderly people and athletes. Hence, it is important to keep yourself warm in winter.

What are the best supplements in winter for joint pain?

In the winter season, one can ensure to include certain supplements in winter as it helps in relieving joint pains such as vitamin D, vitamin B, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Niacin. However, make sure to consult your doctor before consuming these vitamins.