During winter, joint pains often arise due to low humidity and low temperatures. That’s why it is crucial to get adjusted an year round but especially in the winter.
Winter and joint pain
Winter is one of the harshest seasons of the year. Temperature fluctuations, rain, humidity, and snow exacerbate joint pains. Individuals who have suffered any joint injury, those with arthritis, rheumatism, or those who have undergone surgery, may notice changes in barometric pressure or the approach of a storm.
We will explore some of the most significant reasons why joint pains, arthritis, and the risk of contractures increase during winter:
- When the temperature drops, our body fluids (water and blood) tend to thicken, making their circulation much more difficult.
- Joint tissues, containing water, collagen, and other substances, are prone to swelling due to temperature changes.
- Changes in barometric pressure affect the gases deposited in joint capsules, leading to increased inflammation.
- Finally, lower temperatures cause us to stay indoors more, spending a lot of time inside. In other words, this leads to less use of the joints, causing stiffness.
Prevention
Some of the best preventive measures to ease joint pain or arthritis include:
- Drink water: It’s advisable to drink water daily during the cold months, even before having the hottest drinks.
- Avoid consuming refined and processed foods and sugar.
- Don’t c
- onsume carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, or sweets, made from bleached flour or sugar.
- Exercise a lot, which helps keep the joints lubricated.
- Do not consume inflammatory products excessively.
- Chiropractic. It helps maintain proper body posture. It also helps the connection between the brain and the body to be at 100%. It allows the body to better adapt to changes from the outside.
Tips to reduce joint pain in winter
Chronic joint pain is a very severe condition. Its exacerbation occurs with lower temperatures and changes in barometric pressure caused by winter.
How to reduce joint pain in the winter:
- Healthy eating:We should try to eat clean and avoid overeating. Weight gain puts additional pressure on joints and causes joint pain.
- Layer up: Cold is one of the reasons for joint pains. Therefore, wearing multiple layers of clothing helps a lot. Especially the most problematic areas when it comes to joint pains, such as the hands and knees. This way, we can keep them warm and avoid unnecessary pain.
- Maintain high levels of Vitamin D. Low levels of Vitamin D increase sensitivity to arthritis and joint pain. Besides, it represents a high risk of developing osteoporosis. Vitamin D is obtained from sunlight, and during winter, its intake can be regulated by consuming tuna, salmon, orange juice, and egg yolks.
- Stay very active: Exercising helps reduce joint pain. If they are inactive, contractures occur and disappear much easier. The most recommended exercises to prevent joint stiffness include stretching the hamstrings, pelvic tilts, hip movements, lateral bends, and shoulder rotations.
Chiropractic is one of the best treatment methods to reduce or alleviate joint pains and contractures caused by harsh winter weather conditions.