Ways to Relieve Joint Pain in Colder Weather

As the fall and winter season approaches, the changing weather can have an impact on your body. Joint pain and stiffness are common when you start experiencing cooler weather where you live, especially if you already deal with arthritis or inflammation. Keep reading this blog to discover ways you can keep your joints mobile and pain-free this fall and winter. 

Stay Active

During the fall and winter months, it can be harder to stay active because you spend more time indoors than during the summer months. However, there are still easy and simple ways to stay active. This can consist of taking a walk, stretching, attending a yoga class, and more! Do it with friends if that will motivate you to keep moving. Staying active will help lubricate your joints and keep them from stiffening. 

Drink Plenty of Liquids

This small but extremely important task often gets overlooked in the winter. Even though it’s cold outside, don’t forget to drink plenty of water or liquids throughout the day. Water is also a great source of lubrication for the joints. If you find it difficult to drink a lot of water in the winter, try pairing it with hot herbal tea to help you stay warm. 

Keep Your Body Warm 

Try to keep your body warm throughout the cold months. Some ways you can do this are:

• Wear layers and bundle up when spending a lot of time in the cold weather. This will keep your muscles and joints warm so they are less prone to pain and stiffness. 

• Use compression socks or sleeves to add warmth and stability to joints such as knees and elbows.

• Spend time by the fire or in a hot pool to soothe aches and pains. 

Consult a Physical Therapist 

If you deal with arthritis or inflammation, visiting a physical therapist can be extremely helpful during the colder months. Physical therapists can guide you through a customized plan to improve mobility and strength while reducing aches and pains naturally. This can include targeted exercises, massaging, dry needling, aquatic therapy, and more. 

Especially in cooler places, such as Idaho, physical therapy can be a great tool to help you manage pain and joint discomfort during this time. A Rexburg physical therapist can help you achieve optimal health and quality of life through the winter. 

Fill Your Diet with Anti-Inflammatory Foods

The fall and winter months are full of holidays that include lots of dinners and festive desserts. While you should still get to enjoy those foods, make sure you are incorporating anti-inflammatory foods as well. This can include fish, leafy greens, nuts, berries, etc. While you can enjoy some holiday treats, you can still limit overconsumption of sugars and processed foods. It’s all about balance and filling your body with good nutrients. 

Conclusion

While the colder months can make your body more susceptible to joint pain, there are ways you can minimize it and still feel good in your body. Take note of the things discussed in this blog to help you stay healthy and pain-free for all the festivities you can enjoy during the cooler months!