Arthritis in the Winter

Arthritis isn’t the definition of a disease or one single issue, it’s a blanket definition of stiffness and pain in your joints. There are dozens of types of arthritis, but the most common form of arthritis is caused by the degeneration of joints that happen as you age. Over time, the cartilage that cushions your bones near your joints wears away and bone beings to rub against bone. In this winter time, arthritis becomes worse due to the colder, drier weather. Follow these tips to avoid severe arthritis symptoms this winter:

Dress warmly in layers

You need to make sure that the parts of your body that are susceptible to arthritis stay warm, especially your hands and legs. This means wearing thick gloves even when driving or if it gets cold inside. If you’re a woman consider wearing leggings or tights with your dresses or even under your jeans. Men, consider wearing long johns as well.

Stay hydrated

The winter air is very dry and people don’t think about drinking water as much as they do in summer months. Being dehydrated, even slightly, makes you more susceptible to pain. Getting your suggested daily intake of water, and maybe even a little more so, can help reduce any form of pain symptoms in the winter.

Stay inside often, especially when exercising

You should avoid cold weather at all costs. That probably doesn’t come as a surprise. Try to not go outside often, pre-heat your car before driving and do not exercise outside. It’s still important to get your exercise, but try to join a fitness center or gym during these winter months. Even better, try to exercise in our own home to avoid any travel outside.

Get a lot of vitamin D

Vitamin D helps to prevent osteoarthritis and also helps reduce those painful symptoms. The best form of vitamin D are natural sources like the sun, but obviously, you won’t get too much of that in the winter so you need to over-compensate. Buy some vitamin D supplements or eat vitamin D rich food like fish, milk and fortified cereals.

Swim or bathe in warm water

Soaking in warm water can soothe pain and can be good physical therapy for your joints. You can exercise by swimming in a heated pool or consider taking warm baths. For added relief, consider using Epsom Salt in your baths.

Winter can be a brutal time for your health; people often get colds and the flu, slip and fall, don’t exercise, so make sure arthritis doesn’t get added to that list.