Keeping warm and active has always been a challenge during winter months. Cold, chilly weather has always been a recipe for staying snug indoors, which makes it hard to move. The thing is, even when you want to be up and about, your joints start to ache. Is it an excuse to stay in bed, or is it just your imagination?
You’re not alone; winter season, or even particularly cold weather, can actually cause soreness in the ankles, knees, and hips. Cold temperatures naturally cause our muscles to tense up and contract, which makes you feel stiffer and slower during winter. Thankfully, there are ways to relieve winter joint pain, and here are five of them:
Even though winter tempts us to be sedentary, this is the most crucial time to keep moving! Although you should seek professional help for significant joint pain, you should definitely keep your body well-oiled through active movement. Low-impact exercises should do the trick, which can range from indoor swimming in a heated pool, stretching, to even brisk walking.
Regular exercise will also help you keep the extra calories at bay. As more people are inclined to stay indoors during winter, they also tend to eat more, causing them to gain weight. Even a small amount of extra weight can exacerbate joint pain, so be sure to work out frequently!
Although warm, sugary food is comforting during frigid months, a healthy and balanced diet is the most effective and productive way to keep yourself warm. It also boosts your immune system and keeps your body running efficiently, which will prevent you from coming down with an illness while fighting joint pain.
Plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats is key to combatting winter joint pain. This will also help you keep you regulate your weight, keeping you healthy all throughout winter.
The chill of winter is sometimes no joke—it can even be debilitating. Frozen fingers and toes can be especially painful as well, which can be difficult to manage on top of joint pain. When you’re venturing outside, be sure to bundle yourself in several layers of winter-appropriate clothing. This will keep you nice and warm and will ease winter discomfort.
Dressing properly for winter will also help you feel more comfortable with going outside and getting some crisp, fresh air. While it may be cold, you’ll feel prepared to go for a quick jog around the block, which will definitely keep you warm while preventing joint pain!
Staying warm and toasty as often as possible is essential in relieving winter joint pain, and that includes keeping cozy at home. It will also encourage you to resist the siren song of the couch or your bed and move around your home. If winter weather gets you down, staying warm will help cheer you up in anticipation of sunnier days.
To make sure that your home is at an optimal temperature, be sure to repair any drafts. Keep an eye on your heater to make sure it’s at a comfortable temperature as well. If you want to take it a step further, use a heating pad to relieve aching joints.
Lastly, it’s incredibly important to drink plenty of water during the winter months. Dry, cold air causes fatigue and dehydration, which can exacerbate joint pain. Increasing your water intake during this time will help you stay alert, focused, and healthy while keeping joint pain away. If you’re active and regularly working out, drinking more water will help you perform better.
If you find plain water fairly boring, then warm tea is an excellent way to stay warm and hydrated during winter. You can also opt for broth or soup for a little more flavour and taste.
Winter joint pain can be incredibly uncomfortable and exhausting. Sometimes, they can even make winter unbearable. Fortunately, with these incredibly easy five tips, you’ll be keeping yourself healthy and active while alleviating your joint pain. Be sure to complement your routine with the advice of a medical professional to fully treat your sore joints.
Need medical help in addressing joint pains? Get in touch with us at Anytime Physio! We are a family-owned physiotherapy clinic in Brisbane that offers physiotherapy, remedial massages, clinical Pilates, and many more to deliver custom-fit rehabilitation plans for our clients. Your recovery is our passion, and we ensure the best possible results for your healing. Book your appointment with us today!