Winters bring new seasonal diseases with them, while they can also increase old diseases. Yes, the cold winter air often revives the chronic pain of the people. People suffering from bone pain have to face the most problems. It exacerbates diseases associated with chronic joint pain, including arthritis. In such a situation, we must pay more attention to the troubles related to bones and joint pain in winter. Keeping this problem of common people in mind, ‘Only My Health’ spoke to Dr Amod Manocha, Senior Advisor and Head of Pen Management at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, Delhi.
Dr Amod explains that there is no connection between pain and weather, but the rising temperature has a special effect on our bodies. Various factors like low temperature, atmospheric pressure, immune system, changes in blood circulation affect our body. There are also many studies that suggest that cold and damp weather has the most effect on pain. Other studies show that many reactions occur inside the body according to changes in the local climate. These reactions also affect our body, mood and activities.
Why Does Joint Pain Increase In Winter?
According to Dr Amod, due to the fall in temperature during the winter season, the blood vessels of the joints shrink, and the blood temperature in that part decreases. Because of this, when we stand or walk, we feel joint pain in the joints with stiffness. In such a situation, you can reduce this pain by taking care of some things.
Here are the Top 4 Expert Tips to Tackle Joint Pain during winter –
1.) Regular Exercise to Keep Blood Circulation Intact
In winter, short days and colds prevent us from doing regular exercises. This immobility not only causes blood vessels to shrink but also increases stiffness and pain in the muscles and bones. Exercise daily to correct this, which will improve blood circulation and reduce swelling, stiffness and joint pain in bones. Also, by exercising daily, your metabolism will be correct, which will help in releasing the body chemicals necessary for the body.
2.) Keep the Weight Balanced
In this season of festivals and holidays, a person can easily become obese. This increased obesity puts additional pressure on the joints, which can increase the level of joint pain. Therefore, take a balanced, healthy and natural diet even in winter, which contains essential minerals like calcium and vitamin D. This will help strengthen your joints and bones.
3.) Sun Morning
Morning sun is the natural source of vitamin D. Vitamin D plays an important role in strengthening bones and in the performance of muscle and nervous system development. Also, vitamin D may reduce the risk of fracture and pain sensitivity, especially in the elderly.
4.) Dress Sensibly and Stay Warm
Dress wisely in winter. Heavy-weight clothes restrict your movements and are difficult to wear. In this case, wear thin clothes in many layers, in which heat is trapped and warm for a long time. Similarly, use gloves and socks for hands and feet.
Apart from all these, you should take help of heat therapy. Heat therapy can reduce pain and stiffness. It promotes flexibility and blood circulation in tissues. For this, take a bath with hot water and compress it with a bottle of hot water. Significantly, chronic bone pain can be reduced with home remedies, but if it bothers you more, you should seek help from your doctor and get the right treatment.