Winter Joint Pain: Causes, Warning Signs, and Tips to Stay Flexible - Dr Rajesh S

Joint pain generally gets worse with winter, which are due to physiological changes that occur in the body that can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced function in joints.

There are several scientific reasons, one being the constriction of blood vessels to conserve heat which prevents the removal of toxins from cartilage tissue, leading to inflammation and a build-up of oxidative stress that prevents joint repair.

Secondly, cold weather can lead to an increase in the viscosity of synovial fluid, leading to joint stiffness and impairing flexibility and mobility. Other factors that may impair joint function and cause pain and inflammation are barometric pressure and humidity.

Low barometric pressure causes bones, tendons, and muscles to expand thereby leading to additional tension on the joints leading to pain, swelling, and discomfort.

Higher humidity levels lead to worsening joint pain and stiffness, with the worst symptoms in winter. Less outdoor physical activity in winter also contributes to stiffer joints and decreasing flexibility and mobility.

Research shows that elevated humidity may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by worsening inflammation and oxidative stress. People with inflammatory arthritis also are prone to flare-ups during colder climates.

Warning signs that would indicate inflammatory joint disease would be early morning stiffness of more than 30 minutes, redness and swelling in a joint area and nocturnal pain associated with discomfort.

The effective ways to keep joint pain at bay would be:

• To wear warm clothing outside, including a coat, scarf, and hat. In cold weather, wearing gloves are essential to prevent finger joint pain in cold weather.
• Try taking warm baths, or using a heating pad to alleviate your discomfort, as heat eases pain and stiffness and soothes aching joints.

• Improve flexibility and prevent stiffness by indulging in low-impact exercises like walking or swimming.
• Using a treadmill or doing yoga are good indoor exercises.
• Elderly and frail individuals could do regular stretching that can help reduce stiffness, enhance joint flexibility, and improve range of motion.
• Include foods high in anti-inflammatory properties like fatty fish, seeds, and nuts with omega-3 fatty acids that can also help decrease joint swelling and discomfort.
• Optimal hydration betters’ lubrication, reduces stiffness, and improves flexibility and mobility.
• If you experience additional joint pain in cold weather, medical advice could be sought for further evaluation.
• People who are already on medications for inflammatory joint diseases should be compliant with their medications and stick to regular monitoring and follow-up.

Hence, the winter may be a harbinger of pain in some, but effective measures may help contain the discomfort associated in such conditions.