For those who struggle with joint pain or arthritis, the winter months can be especially harsh. The wintry weather and lack of sunlight can cause joints to become stiff, tender, sore, and achy. Joint pain may even cause the person to miss out on important events due to their discomfort or lack of mobility. Thankfully though there are ways to help alleviate joint pain during these cold, dark months. Here are 6 tips for managing your winter joint pain.
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Move and Stretch
While movement and stretching may not feel pleasant at first, one of the best ways to keep your joints from getting stiff is to keep them moving. Try gentle stretching and light exercises that can be done inside to help keep your joints mobile. Exercise can also help to build up the muscles around your joints and take the pressure off them.
Try Paraffin Wax
Keeping your joints warm is one of the easiest ways to avoid winter joint pain. One way of doing this is to use a paraffin wax warmer. Paraffin wax is heated up in the warmer and then the area that hurts is dipped into the wax. The warmth from the wax seeps into the joint while it dries and helps relieve stiffness. This treatment is best for foot and hand pain. A bonus for this treatment is that paraffin wax can also help with dry winter skin.
Stay Hydrated
One thing many people do not think about in the winter months is hydration. While it may not seem as important as it does in the sweltering summer months, but proper hydration is important when it comes to joint health. To help combat the cold, try a warm drink like tea to help with joint pain. Some types of tea even have anti-inflammatory properties that are great for those with arthritis.
Your shoulder is one of the areas that can be affected by winter joint pain.
Get Some Vitamin D
Winter months are often associated with a lack of sunshine, which is where we get the majority of our vitamin D. A lack of vitamin D can lead to a decrease in pain tolerance, making joint pain worse. A vitamin D supplement can help combat this issue.
Wear Layers and Dress Warm
As mentioned earlier, keeping your joints warm is one of the best ways to combat winter joint pain. Wearing layers can help to keep you warm and allows for temperature adjustments when going in and out of buildings. When outside make sure to wear gloves and warm socks. If you need some extra warmth, you can place warmers in your gloves and shoes.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Certain foods have been shown to have a positive effect on joints. Foods such as salmon have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Other foods to consider adding to your diet include ginger, garlic, tart cherries, broccoli, and turmeric.
The winter months can be extremely difficult for those who suffer from winter joint pain, but there are ways to help alleviate this pain. These tips are just some of the ways that winter joint pain can be treated at home. If you are looking for more ways to help treat joint pain, contact Cutting Edge Health today to learn about our wide range of services.
