You’ve probably said it yourself, but how many times have you sworn that a storm was approaching because your arthritis pain was ramping up? Count the number of times you’ve had a bone-chilling cold cause your joints to expand and become inflamed, resulting in pain and stiffness.
When it comes to people who suffer from arthritis, the winter months may be particularly difficult, and there may be some truth to the old wives’ tale that hurting joints are an indication of a change in weather. As a matter of fact, according to the Arthritis Foundation, research has found that lower barometric pressure causes more aches and pains in persons who are placed in barometric pressure chambers.
Arthritis may be divided into two types: inflammatory arthritis and non-inflammatory arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is characterized by the presence of inflammatory white blood cells in joint fluid. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus arthritis, gout, and many other types of inflammatory arthritis are among the most common. Osteoarthritis, arthritis due to thyroid illness, arthritis following an accident, and many more types of non-inflammatory arthritis are all possible. Cold weather has been demonstrated to have an effect on both inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritis, according to research.
With the arrival of autumn comes the arrival of lower temperatures, and if you suffer from arthritis, you are aware that pain is sometimes exacerbated in cold weather. Whether you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the pain you experience might make it difficult to participate in any typical activities that require mobility. However, the fall weather does not have to prevent you from participating in your favorite activities. Here are five strategies to help you manage arthritis discomfort throughout the colder months:
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To Control Arthritis, Keep Your Head, Hands, and Feet Covered. –
When we are exposed to cold weather, some blood flow is redirected from our extremities to the vital organs of our core, such as our heart and lungs. As a result, blood flow to our joints is restricted, which can result in stiffness and discomfort. When you’re out in the fresh air, dressing appropriately might help to keep the chill at bay. Dress in layers to be warm, and wear socks and waterproof boots to keep your feet from getting wet or moist in the process. Because the head, hands, and feet are the areas of the body where internal body heat is lost the most quickly, covering these body parts can assist to keep the body’s internal heat stable.
Consume A Nutritious Diet.
Eating a well-balanced diet will assist you in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing the excess weight from piling on your joints. If you suffer from joint discomfort, consider including foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as omega-3-rich seafood (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel), soybeans, green tea, and walnuts in your diet.
In addition, proper nutrition ensures that you receive the vitamins and minerals that you require. Recent research suggests that low vitamin D levels may be associated with the severity and development of arthritis in both adults and children. In the fall and winter, you naturally get less vitamin D, and being low in this vitamin may cause your joints to suffer more. It is recommended by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that you consume the following levels of vitamin D daily:
- Adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18: 600 International Units (IU)
- Adults between the ages of 19 and 70 years: 600 IU
- Adults above the age of 71 should consume 800 IU.
- Women who are pregnant or nursing should take 600 IU.
Because vitamin D can only be absorbed by the body in the presence of calcium, you must also eat this mineral on a regular basis, either via food or by taking a supplement, to ensure adequate absorption. The proliferation of cartilage cells is negatively harmed if they do not receive the necessary Vitamin D and calcium.
Continue to be Physically Active by Moving Around The House
Exercise can assist to relieve arthritis pain, and remaining active throughout the colder months can help to keep joints from getting stiff and painful. There are a variety of physical exercises that may be performed inside that are simple to complete:
- Using a stationary bike to get about
- Stretching
- Walking around the house
- Participating in a low-impact aerobics or yoga session
- Swimming in an indoor pool is a great way to stay fit.
- opting for the stairwell rather than the elevator
- Consult with your doctor about over-the-counter medications if you have a fever.
Topical pain drugs – which are often available in cream or gel form – can be applied topically to the skin over joints to ease discomfort. A common constituent in these products is a salicylate or capsaicin derivative, each of which has a distinct action. Menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor are examples of counterirritants that provide a transient heat and/or cold feeling that interrupts the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Salicylates, which are chemically related to aspirin, have a modest anti-inflammatory action and are used to treat a variety of ailments. Chilli peppers contain the compound capsaicin, which is thought to interfere with pain signals sent to the brain by nerve endings.
Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium are examples of over-the-counter pain relievers that can be used to alleviate arthritic discomfort. Each pain medicine, on the other hand, carries its own set of hazards. If any of these drugs sound like they could be good for you, speak with your doctor about it first. You can use Tapentadol 100mg (Aspadol) extended release (ER) for the management of chronic osteoarthritis knee pain after the coordination with doctors. Click to find more about Aspadol (Tapentadol).
Drink Plenty of Water to Stay Hydrated.
Hydration is essential for draining toxins out of your body and maintaining joint lubrication, which helps to minimize pain and inflammation associated with joint pain and inflammation. It can also aid in the preservation of flexibility and the reduction of the likelihood of injury. According to conventional wisdom, eight glasses of water per day are recommended; however, see your doctor for an individual suggestion depending on your activity level and medical history. If plain water isn’t your thing, try mixing in some berries or cucumbers that have just been chopped. If you prefer, you might drink green or black tea, which is both high in polyphenols, which are plant components that have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.