Ways to curb joint pain in winters

Chilly mornings can be trying for those with joint pain. Here’s how to curb the painful condition.

Winter is prime time for succumbing to aches, pains and stiffness, confirms Dr John Dickson, co-founder of the Primary Care Rheumatology Society.”When it’s damp or cold, and the weather gets worse, we can really feel it in our joints.” Osteopath and physio Tim Allardyce agrees: “Cold joints tend to be stiffer in cold weather – warm joints are more mobile.” How come? It’s not just an old wives’ tale; “It’s due to barometic pressure,” says Dr John. That is the weight of the air pressing on the Earth, and its changes can be felt within the nerve endings of the tissues inside a joint. So when low or high weather pressure systems move across the earth’s surface, people who suffer from arthritis are affected. Here’s how one can curb the onset of arthritis:

Watch your weight

Excess upper body weight can strain the back and joints. A BMI of 25 or over is classed as overweight.

Regular exercise is a great way of reducing and preventing pain; walking and swimming help strengthen core and back muscles, while yoga and Pilates improve flexibility. Even doing some simple leg raises and bottom lifts at home can help.

Manage stress

Stress causes muscle tension which can make pain worse. Follow a healthy, nutritious diet, exercise regularly and get a good night’s sleep.

Sit up straight

Good posture helps alleviate aches and pains. When sitting at a desk, make sure you have support at the small of your back and feet flat on the floor, with hips and knees level. When driving, ensure you can easily reach the foot controls.

Review your diet

Deficiency in some vitamins and minerals is linked to a degeneration of bone and joint health. A lack of calcium can lead to osteoporosis, so up your intake of foods such as dairy, broccoli and almonds, or consider a supplement.Vitamin D helps calcium uptake in the body, too.

Invest in furniture

It may be worth purchasing specialist chairs which are designed to support the natural curve of your back and offer support to hips. And if your mattress is too soft, it won’t give your spine or hips sufficient support.