Managing Arthritis Pain In The Cold Weather

Well, the chilly weather has arrived, and it truly has arrived! This means you’ve probably heard people complaining about their joints hurting in the cold weather and others commenting on how their joints feel much better when they go on holidays somewhere hot. Are these feelings linked to something real, or are they just anecdotal? Well, the truth is that there are several reasons why your joints may hurt more in the cold weather. In this article, we look at why this happens and give some tips for managing arthritis pain in the cold weather.

So why do your joints hurt more in cold weather? There are few reasons, including: a reduction in activity which can lead to reduced flexibility and stiffer joints (after all, who wants to go out in the rain and wind?); the cold can cause the joint fluid to thicken which can make it feel like it’s more challenging to move your joints smoothly; changes to air pressure can also influence the contraction and expansion of the tissues around the joints which can lead to them feeling uncomfortable or even pain. Is there anything we can do to manage the impact of the cold weather on our joints? Yes! We’ll get to that shortly.

If you are living with any form of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis, you may notice the impact of cold weather more than people without arthritis. Arthritis is the name for a series of conditions affecting the joints. Arthritis can impact people of all ages. Despite how common it is, unfortunately, there are no cures. The good news is that appropriate treatment can be very helpful in managing the pain and preventing flare-ups. Although treatment varies significantly between individuals, some common forms of treatment across many different types of arthritis include physical therapy, careful lifestyle changes, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, in some severe and advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.

Common types of arthritis affected by the cold weather

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most prevalent types of arthritis.

The wear and tear of the joints causes osteoarthritis. The cartilage between the joints that usually cushions them and makes movements smooth breaks off and disintegrates over time, meaning that there is less cushioning, resulting in pain. Although it can affect people of all ages, it is usually worse or more common in people over 40 and 50, and the likeliness increases as you age. Osteoarthritis mainly affects the weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips; however, it can also affect the spine and other joints. Osteoarthritis causes inflammation in and around the joint, making the skin around the joint warm and red and resulting in pain. Individuals who are overweight, perform a lot of high-impact exercise, and have a family history of the condition are at higher risk of osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking the cells that line the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease, and the symptoms include stiff, swollen, and painful joints. The pain usually occurs on both sides of the body and is much more common in women than in men. Individuals who smoke or who have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis are also at much higher risk. Rheumatoid arthritis can be tricky to diagnose, so it is essential to seek specialist advice from a rheumatologist. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation with the help of medication, relieving the pain, and slowing down further damage to the joint to reduce the chance of disability and help maintain a good quality of life.

Tips for managing arthritis pain in the cold weather

When it comes to managing arthritis pain in the cold weather, there are plenty of tips and advice you can take on board and action in your daily life. Below is a breakdown of our top tips for managing arthritis symptoms when it’s cold outside.

Keep your body moving

Remaining active when it is cold outside can feel like a challenge; however, sitting still for long periods of time can be detrimental to joint pain. Exercising in a controlled and careful manner, such as walking, swimming, or Pilates, can be very beneficial for keeping the joints mobile and reducing the pain.

Maintain a healthy body weight

Maintaining a healthy body weight is especially important for osteoarthritis. Excess weight can put unnecessary pressure on already painful joints and speed up the deterioration of the cartilage between weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees.

Stay warm and cosy where possible

Keeping the joints warm can be beneficial during the winter and colder weather. Use a hot water bottle or heat pads (even electric blankets!) to keep the house warm when you are indoors. If you need to go outdoors, warm up before leaving the house to prevent the joints from getting cold. You could even pre-heat the car!

Top up on vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is vital for good bone health. We get the majority of our vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. However, when our skin is covered with long sleeves, we may struggle to get enough during the winter. The UK government recommends supplementing our diets with vitamin D over the winter to ensure we get enough.

Concerned about joint pain and arthritis?

If you have any concerns about joint pain or arthritis, you should seek professional medical advice. If you experience pain or stiffness that lasts longer than two weeks or is intermittent, it is prudent to seek the advice of a rheumatologist in London or your local area. A rheumatologist specialises in conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, particularly inflammatory conditions and joint pain. They will be able to discuss any symptoms or concerns you have, review your medical history and family history, alongside any test results, and then make an accurate diagnosis as to what may be impacting you.