Climate change severely affects joint pain, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it; This is how

As the weather changes and gradually becomes colder, those suffering from joint pain will begin to feel discomfort. It is popularly believed that even when the temperature drops, pain increases in the joints, muscles and ligaments, which begin to feel stiff and swollen. According to experts, there is a cause-effect relationship between climate and joint pain.

It’s not just the cold, though, as studies say those living with conditions like arthritis find that pain increases on days with:

According to experts, as the weight of air in the atmosphere begins to decrease this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere, the pressure/psi begins to rise and fall. The decrease in pressure, which begins to cause a worsening of the weather, causes the air to press a little less on the body. That lack of compression allows the body’s tissues to swell slightly, irritating the joints.

Doctors say the speed at which pressure changes also makes a big difference.

As the weather cools, lower barometric pressure is not ideal for joints. The cold causes muscles, ligaments and joints to become stiffer and more painful due to the lack of oily fluid between the joints, which becomes viscous. It also prevents oily fluid from lubricating the joint and can cause pain when moving.

How can you reduce pain related to cold weather?

Doctors say that since weather-induced pain cannot be avoided, there are some steps you can take to prevent and relieve discomfort, including:

Exercise

Regular exercise and workouts help you stay active and therefore keep your muscles and joints tight. Always make sure to stretch before and after exercising and keep moving, whether it’s walking, running, yoga or even Zumba and Pilates to reduce pain.

Stretch

If there are days when you can’t exercise, make sure you at least stretch regularly. It’s a great way to maintain and increase your flexibility, which helps maintain joint health.

stay warm

Since cold weather can be an enemy to your joints, make sure you stay warm and comfortable. Dress appropriately for the weather. The cold can stiffen muscles, so wear socks, heating pads, and even layer appropriately.

Carry out regular heat treatment

In winter, be sure to take a hot shower and pull out a heating pad if you’re experiencing weather-related pain. The heating penetrates the areas where it hurts the most, regulating circulation and blood flow and loosening tense ligaments, tendons and connective tissue.

Eat balanced meals

Antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, vegetables, and whole grains, significantly reduce inflammation.

take painkillers

When your pain becomes unbearable, take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications in pill or lotion form to reduce the swelling behind your joint pain.