If you have arthritis, does the cold actually make your joints hurt more? Or is that just an old wives’ tale?
Well, according to research, weather conditions can affect your arthritis, making your pain worse. Studies found that cold weather and increases in barometric pressure can indeed make your joints hurt more. It’s believed that cold temperatures increase the thickness of the fluid in the joints similar to the way cold temperatures can make the oil in your car thicker.
Changes in barometric pressure help meteorologists predict changes in the weather. When a storm is approaching, the barometric pressure often drops. Many people who suffer from arthritis pain often claim they know when a storm is coming, because their joint pain increases. Well, these people are right. Studies show when the barometric pressure drops, the tissues inside of the joints of people with arthritis swell, causing the nerves in the joint tissue to become irritated, leading to increased pain.
So, now you know, you’re not crazy if you think cold weather is affecting your arthritis pain. But what can you do to help relieve arthritis pain this winter?
Stay indoors as much as possible.- Gently stretch your muscles and joints each day, especially in the evening, so you’ll feel less stiff in the morning.
- Include low-impact exercise, such as walking, tai chi, yoga or indoor water aerobics, in your weekly routine to improve your range of motion, strengthen your muscles and increase your endurance.
- Take frequent breaks during your day so you’re not overusing your joints.
- Apply heat to relieve stiff and achy joints. Apply cold packs to reduce pain.
- Take pain relief medications as directed by your doctor. Follow the label on the bottle for over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese. Excess weight adds more stress on your joints.
- Try acupuncture. Some people have experienced pain relief with this alternative therapy.
- Stay positive. Don’t dwell on your pain since that can make it worse.
And if you just don’t want to deal with your arthritis pain and the cold weather, you can always go on an extended vacation to someplace warm like Arizona or Florida.
Relieve Arthritis Pain with ezWalker® Custom Performance Othotics
Your feet and ankles are susceptible to arthritis, too. Foot pain and deformity caused by arthritis can lead to pain in your legs, knees, hips and lower back. ezWalker® Custom Performance Orthotics can minimize problems caused by arthritis in your feet or ankles by correcting the biomechanics of your feet and realigning your body from the feet up. These orthotics redistribute your weight more evenly over the bottom of your feet, reducing pressure on any sore areas. Depending upon your individual needs, the WalkEZStore.com offers two levels of custom orthotic support:
- Functional support – Recommended for active individuals with flexibility or those wanting to achieve better health and comfort throughout their day. Functional orthotics are designed to guide your feet into a better biomechanical position with every step you take.
- Accommodating support – Recommended for people with arthritis, diabetes, joint mobility restrictions, lack of foot flexibility and anyone with a chronic illness who lives a more sedentary lifestyle. Accommodating orthotics are designed to reduce pressured areas without changing your gait, allowing your feet to rest.
With ezWalker® Custom Orthotics, you can experience reduced stress, discomfort and wear-and-tear on the joints in your feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Order your ezWalker® Custom Performance Orthotics today.
Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.
Note: If your arthritis pain persists, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
