Cold Causing Painful Joints

10 Aug Cold Causing Painful Joints

Cold weather for many people can often mean painful aching bones, and stiff joints. There are many theories about how winter and colder weather can affect the body, but the exact cause of the discomfort is unknown. This blog discusses what you can do to help ease body pain on colder days.

There are some theories which suggest that barometric pressure (pressure of air in the atmosphere) changes in the atmosphere can cause joint pain. When it rains or gets cold, barometric pressure decreases. There is a theory that suggests that the pressure changes can cause the body’s tendons, muscles and other tissue to expand, contract and thicken, resulting in joint pain. Another theory suggests that people who have less cartilage around their joints, due to damage and disease, may have bones and nerves that are more sensitive to changes in pressure that can cause pain.

People who are injured, experience chronic pain, suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and many other musculoskeletal conditions; have to regularly endure joint pain. The damage that these conditions cause to the joints can make your body more stiff and feel more painful than usual. These additional aches can be felt specifically in the ankles, knees, hips and back. Some patients claim that the pain is worse when resting. Sufferers of chronic pain are generally more affected than others. If you experience any pain or notice redness and swelling around your joints, it is best to seek medical care.

By following these simple tips below you could help reduce joint pain in the winter:

• Keep your body warm by dressing in multiple layers.
• Build up your muscle and bone strength through exercise. This will reduce the pressure placed on your joints, so they are less prone to injury.
• Maintain a healthy weight to minimise stress on your joints, especially the knees.
• Apply heating pads to painful areas. The heat will relax your muscles and increase blood flow in the affected areas.
• Staying active is an easy way to reduce pain, as it can prevent the joints from becoming stiff. So why not go for a walk or try to be active indoors. Make sure to stretch before performing any physical activities, loosening up the body will make you less susceptible to injuries. Movement can help bring synovial fluid to the joints which will lubricate them and help keep them from hurting.
• Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy diet, and keep a positive outlook. These are all simple tips that if followed can do wonders for your physical and mental well-being.

Here at OsteoVision our osteopaths can help alleviate your pain through manipulation, massage and other musculoskeletal techniques, all of which are designed to release restricted facets in the joints and improve muscular stability.

Our team of specialists are always available to assist you and offer advice. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your symptoms, have any questions, would like to book an appointment or require more information about your condition.

Call:     03303 904300
Email:  info@osteovision.life
You can also book an appointment online at www.osteovision.life