Don't let joint pain during the colder months slow you down!
With cold and wet weather often comes aching bones. Although different from the pain felt from underlying causes, like past injuries or arthritis, the change in barometric pressure can have a big impact on your joints.
So what is barometric pressure, and how does it affect our bodies? Barometric pressure is the measurement of air pressure in the atmosphere, and the more pressure on your body, the more your tendons, muscles, and tissues are limited in how much they can expand. When the pressure drops, it can cause these tendons, muscles, and tissues to swell, leading to inflammation and pain in the body. Luckily, there are a few tips you can follow to help your body’s reaction to the cold.
Keeping your house set to a warmer temperature can help alleviate some of the joint pain that comes with the colder weather. In addition, you can take other measures like warming up your car before your morning commute. Remember — warm joints are happy joints!
It is important to stay well hydrated during the colder months to help ease joint pain. Our joints are lubricated with a gel-like liquid called synovial fluid. This fluid helps create a barrier between your bones that protects them from grinding together and helps to absorb shock from regular movement. When the weather gets colder, the synovial fluid becomes thicker, making joints feel stiffer. However, since this liquid is mostly made up of water, staying hydrated can help prevent this pain.
Regular exercise is a great way to prevent joint stiffness. Exercise strengthens the muscles around your joints and can help maintain bone strength. In addition to regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight can help ease pressure on your joints. If hitting the gym is not for you, you can still opt for more low-impact exercises at home like stretching, yoga, or Pilates to help ward off stiffness.
While the cold weather is inevitable, your joint pain does not have to be!
We are here when you need us. Patient First is able to evaluate and treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries including joint pain. With no appointment needed, our Patient First physicians can recommend anti-inflammatory medication, creams, and other joint-friendly activities to keep you strong this cold weather season. You can visit any Patient First center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., every day of the year.
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