Arthritis: How to Manage Flare Ups During Cold Weather
The winter season brings with it a much colder and wet climate for many each year. Climate changes like this can play havoc with arthritis sufferers and cause them to experience flare ups.
Cold weather has been known to intensify joint pain associated with arthritis conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. When climate pressure changes occur and this is felt on joints, it affects the fluid that surrounds joints which increases both inflammation and pain.
However, there is no need to worry as there are many tips and tricks. You can use to help manage your arthritis during the winter months.
Management for Arthritis Flare Ups
Dressing warmly during the winter season can be very beneficial in helping joint pain. If you suffer from arthritis, it is important to pay special attention to your extremities such as your hands, feet and head. Make sure to:
Wear loose layers that will protect you and keep you warm when outdoors. Regardless of whether you are going out for walk or just popping to the shop around the corner, always make sure that you are wearing enough clothes.
Remember that gloves, hats and scarves are your best friends during the winter months. Our extremities are prone to lose heat the quickest. By keeping these covered when out in the cold weather can reduce the chances of having flare ups.
Don't get your feet wet. Wearing waterproof boots are essential in the winter months.
Colder Months
Once the colder months come around, it is very easy for people to go into hibernation mode and put their exercise and training routines to the wayside. However, for those experiencing arthritis flare ups, sticking to an exercise plan is essential. Gentle exercises can be beneficial for alleviating pain as it will loosen stiff joints and help to increase both strength and flexibility. If you find the thought of exercising in the cold weather a little daunting, exercise indoors instead.
Activities such as stretching exercises, Pilates classes, swimming indoors and even household chores can help to relieve joint pain. Depending on the severity of your joint discomfort, dry needling carried out by a chartered physiotherapist will help to loosen tight muscles which may help relieve some of the symptoms associated with an arthritis flare up.
Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic, our physiotherapists are trained in treating a wide range of conditions that affect the joints. For more information on the management of arthritis or to book an appointment, contact us here.