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Some may say they don’t like the winter season because of too much snow or the cold temperatures, but just about any individual living with arthritis will say they don’t enjoy winter because of their increased pain and discomfort. 

The changes in atmospheric pressure due to cold, snowy, and stormy weather in the winter season cause increased joint inflammation, leading to increased swelling, stiffness, and pain for those with arthritis. 

If you or a loved one in your life has arthritis, utilize these tips to keep them more comfortable and safe from the winter weather this season:

Keep Warm With Layers

Keeping your aching joints warm can help manage your pain and swelling. Be sure to layer up when you’re outdoors with jackets, gloves, scarves, hats, socks, and more. Pay close attention to the areas where your arthritis is located, say your hands or knees, and be sure to layer up in those areas. 

Eat The Right Foods

Indulging in sweet foods, especially around the holidays,  can cause potentially serious flare-ups for your arthritis, so be sure to maintain a healthy diet during winter. Also, try to incorporate more foods that are considered anti-inflammatories, such as green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, and fatty fish.

Don’t Forget To Exercise

Staying active is one of the best ways to manage your arthritis, so make sure to keep up an exercise routine during the colder months. Physical activity helps increase strength, flexibility, boost your energy, keep your weight down, and minimize pain. The Arthritis Foundation recommends that those with arthritis engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week and incorporate at least two strength-training activities into their weekly routine.  

Watch Your Stress

High levels of stress can hurt many areas of your body, including your joints. When you’re overworked and stressed, try and slow down, take deep breaths, and relax. Your body and joints will thank you. 

Get Your Vitamin D

Since we get most of our Vitamin D from the sunshine, it can be challenging to maintain healthy levels during the winter. Low Vitamin D levels can be harmful to arthritis patients’ inflammation, so try to get sunlight when you can, eat Vitamin D-rich foods such as salmon, sardines, and egg yolks, or take appropriate supplements recommended by your doctor.

Wear Compression Gloves

Like compression socks, these gloves work by squeezing the joints to promote additional blood flow, reduce swelling, and trap heat to stay warm. Most styles of compression gloves are fingerless to be worn around the house comfortably. So, if you need to go outdoors, you can wear mittens as they keep your hands warmer than gloves.

Orthopaedist in Fairfield County

It’s crucial to seek expert medical treatment if you are dealing with problems or pain associated with your bones or joints. Give the professionals at Orthopaedic Specialty group a call at (203) 337-2600 and let us know how we can help you! Don’t let that pain hold you back from living your life. Your health and safety are our top priority.