Worried about how the Indian monsoon and winter weather bring arthritis discomfort? Whether you’re already staying or planning to stay in India, you’re not alone in this case.
Most places in India are known to be too hot during the monsoon and too cold during the winter. These weather conditions are often a threat to arthritis patients. With the belief that heat helps alleviate arthritis pain, excessive heat can trigger inflammation and the pain that comes with it.
On the other hand, cold temperatures often intensify joint pain. Despite all this, you can easily manage the discomfort with affordable orthopedic care and simple healthy tips.
Now, let’s understand arthritis management in Indian weather conditions.
Why does arthritis pain increase in winter?
You might be wondering why arthritis pain increases in winter. Here’s why:
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Cold and stiffness: Cold weather makes muscles contract and joints stiff, reducing range of motion and increasing pain.
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Barometric pressure: Lower air pressure in winter can cause body tissues, including those around joints, to expand, putting pressure on nerves and worsening pain.
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Slower circulation and inflammation: Cold slows blood circulation, causing inflammation to build up, leading to cramps and intensified pain.
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Thicker synovial fluid: The lubricating fluid in joints can thicken in the cold, reducing its cushioning effect as well as increasing friction.
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Reduced activity: Most of us tend to move less in winter, leading to increased stiffness and weakness.
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Low vitamin D: Less sunlight means less Vitamin D production, which is crucial for bone and joint health, potentially worsening pain.
Why do joints hurt more during the monsoon?
Your joints tend to hurt more during the monsoon because of several factors that include:
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Low atmospheric pressure: Lower air pressure during rain makes tissues expand, applying additional pressure on sensitive joints and nerves.
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Excess air moisture: Dampness can cause tissues around joints to swell, squeezing them more tightly and increasing discomfort, especially with inflammation.
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Cold air: Cooler temperatures can decrease blood flow to muscles and joints, leading to stiffness and contraction.
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Limited activity: In most winter cases, we tend to avoid activities while staying in our blankets or sofas. Staying in static positions for prolonged hours interferes with blood circulation and leads to stiffness.
What daily habits help reduce winter joint pain?
Joint pain can worsen due to cold conditions; thus, follow these daily habits to prevent winter joint pain.
- Prevent direct exposure to cold by dressing in layers.
- Always take warm baths to relax muscles and promote smooth blood circulation.
- Use electric heaters indoors to keep your joints warm.
- Avoid drinking cold, carbonated/caffeinated drinks, as they cause dehydration. However, regularly drinking lots of water helps promote better joint fluid.
- Hand pain is most often caused by everyday strain, though on rare occasions it may be associated with heart-related issues.
- Avoid sitting or walking on cold surfaces while barefoot.
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Consider joint wraps or bandages like Leeford Ortho Septiplast Crepe Bandage. A bandage helps to keep warmth on the joints, and its pressure helps alleviate pain.
Should arthritis patients avoid early morning walks in winter?
Based on the Arthritis Foundation studies, arthritis patients are advised to engage in regular exercise. Not moving enough can slowly make muscles feel tight and joints a bit stiff, which may make everyday movement feel harder over time. It’s advised to take a moment of at least 5 minutes warming up before going outside for morning walks.
Maintaining a slower pace while walking helps patients with arthritis to prevent risky chances of straining their joints or causing further injury. With the rise of technology, arthritis patients can use malls or stationary bikes to maintain their walking routine indoors. This is helpful, mostly in extreme winter conditions.
Does hot water therapy help joint pain?
Hot water therapy can help to alleviate joint pain, and here’s how it helps:
- Heat opens up blood vessels, boosting blood, oxygen, and nutrient flow to tissues. This
- Applying heat takes off joint pressure by enabling muscles to relax.
- Heat can reduce the transmission of pain signals to the brain, changing the sensation of pain.
- Heat therapy can improve mobility by easing pressure or tension in the joints.
Do knee or wrist supports help in winter arthritis?
Wearing knee or wrist supports is one of the effective arthritis management tips and joint pain relief in the Indian weather during winter. They help by:
- Providing warmth, i.e., Leeford Ortho knee and wrist supports are crafted with neoprene fabrics that help retain heat to keep the joints warm.
- The compression from these supports (knees or wrists) helps to alleviate inflammation and the pain that comes with it.
- Knee caps and wrist supports help with stabilization. While wearing a knee cap, you can protect your knee from sudden twists. Also, wrist supports prevent discomfort by limiting excessive movement.
- Wearing a knee or wrist support helps improve mobility and prevent strain or sprains while doing daily tasks during winter.
What foods help reduce arthritis pain in winter?
As advised by UNC Health, here’s a list of foods that help reduce arthritis pain in winter.
- Calcium-rich dairy
- Green and leafy vegetables
- Fatty fish and fish oils
- Nuts and seeds
- Lean protein
- Fruit and berries
- Lentils and beans
Always consult your healthcare provider to determine what foods to eat according to the severity of your condition, age, activity level, and recovery progress. Advice from healthcare experts helps to prevent the chances of eating food that will cause you allergies, worsen pain, or slow the healing process.
Final Thought
Even when managing arthritis pain during the monsoon or winter seasons can be challenging, taking solution-focused and mindful steps can make a significant difference. It’s important to stay warm, exercise regularly, and maintain a balanced diet to keep your joints healthy.
Among arthritis management tips, consider using Leeford Ortho knee support and wrist brace. They are crafted to offer relief for joint pain in cold weather. Seasonal pain may come and go, but informed choices can help you stay active, comfortable, and protected.
