Why Your Joint Pain Increases in the Winter and What to Do About It

Do your joints hurt more just before it snows or rains? The scientific evidence for how weather affects your joints is scant, but the feeling of pain is all too real! 

The experts at Apex Medical Center encourage our patients to remain as active as possible, but if your joint pain increases as the temperatures drop, that may be challenging. In this post we offer some tips for managing your joint pain during the colder months of the year. 

1. Use layers

As it gets colder, consider wearing more layers, so that you can adjust as the day goes on. If you’re going to be outside, for example, you may want to layer a few pairs of gloves over each other to keep the joints in your hands warm and comfortable. 

You might want to think about ways to add layers around your knees if you have knee pain. Perhaps add leggings beneath your clothing, or avoid dresses or skirts when it’s cold. 

2. Exercise indoors

We want you to be active, and if walking outside is your favorite thing to do, you may be less inclined to get regular exercise when it’s cold. We encourage you to find indoor activities until you can be more comfortable exercising outside. 

There are several reasons you should stay active. Strong muscles around your weakened joints provide critical support. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, which lessens the pressure on your joints. When you move, you improve your circulation and more blood to your joints can help them remain as healthy as possible. 

3. Consider the benefits of warm water

One of the best ways to exercise when your joints hurt is in a heated pool. Swimming, water aerobics, and even pool walking are all good ways to build strength and protect your joints.

You may also find that warm baths can soothe your aching joints. A good, long soak can ease your pain. The only thing to avoid is going out into the cold too soon after a warm bath. Wait a bit and let your body temperature get to normal before venturing into the cold. 

4. Dress appropriately

Obviously, if it’s cold, you wear a coat. But you should also be cautious about icy sidewalks and other dangers. Don’t go out into an icy environment wearing dress shoes. A fall could make your joint pain far worse! 

5. Seek care from a professional 

If your joint pain has increased, book an appointment at Apex Medical Center. We’re experts in pain management and may have suggestions you haven’t yet considered. 

We often suggest complementary treatments, such as massage or acupuncture. Injections, medications, creams, supplements, and physical therapy are just a few of the possibilities. 

You can book an appointment at any of our three facilities online, or by calling the location that works best for you.