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5 smart tips to deal with your arthritis pain

The pain associated with arthritis can really worsen with the onset of the winter season, but here’s how you can deal with the situation.
oil for arthritis
Got arthritis? Get a massage with dhanwantharam oil! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Published by Dr. Pavan Chebbi
Updated On: 30 Oct 2023, 01:35 pm IST
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The winter season is marked by cold temperatures that accentuate the problem of arthritis. It isn’t that this time of the year can be considered, but the climate amplifies the pain that creates disruption in our everyday lives. The health condition deteriorates during the cold months, when people suffering from this medical condition experience joint stiffness and a reduced range of motion.

The literal explanation of arthritis stands for inflammation, swelling, and tenderness of one or more joints that limit the ability to perform normal activities in their day-to-day lives. The older population are generally the most affected age group, while recent statistics have shown that the younger generation belonging to the age group 25 to 40 are also getting impacted.

Though the link between winters and bad joint health is unclear, it is always advisable to prepare oneself to face the worst. Therefore if one is experiencing frequent flare-ups or facing hardships in dealing with joint pain, here are a few simple tips that one can incorporate in their daily routine to help manage arthritis pain in the cold winter months.

  • Hydration:

Hydration is the most important step for all seasons. Drinking a sufficient amount of water can keep the problems at bay, increase our immunity, and also prevent the incidence of cramps or pain. An optimum intake of fluids like soups, juices, and so on apart from water, is also important to keep our body hydrated at all times.

  • Take a healthy platter:

Having a balanced diet with all the necessary vitamins and minerals is crucial to keep off the extra pounds that can cause more stress to the inflamed joints. Opting for food items rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D like salmon, soybeans, walnuts, and so on, are important to ensure the intake of proper nutrition.

arthritis pain
Switch to a healthy plate for healthy joints !. Image courtesy: Unsplash
  • Exercise indoors:

Some people might not be comfortable exercising outside during the cold winter months. Therefore, one can always opt for indoor exercises. It is important to stay active indoors and incorporate light exercises in the daily routine, as body movements help to prevent the joints from stiffness and unwanted pain. Walking is also another alternative for pain management while keeping our bodies fit and warm.

  • Intake of vitamin D:

Research shows that deficiency of vitamin D in our bodies gives rise to several health complications like arthritis, osteoporosis, and more. Especially during the winter season, the body can become sensitive to pain and inflammation. Therefore, the intake of vitamin D-rich food items and supplements like eggs, mushrooms, milk products, etc is always advisable.

arthritis pain
Get the ‘sunsine’ vitamin via natural sources rather than supplements. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
  • Dress up in layers:

Dressing up in layers and keeping oneself warm is important and effective during the winter season, in order to avoid fluctuations in the temperature. This is because the extreme cold can cause an increase in joint pain. Therefore, staying indoors and wearing necessary arm clothes can prevent one from facing other complications.

The last word

Apart from the above-mentioned tips, if anyone experiences any unwanted or unbearable symptom of the medical condition, it is always advisable to consult a medical practitioner and get treated. Several advanced surgical procedures have been introduced that can help treat a patient better and live a hassle-free life. Consultation with an expert can help to remove the doubts in mind and have clarity in thought regarding the treatment, surgical procedure, and also for the medications prescribed.

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About the Author

Consultant, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bangalore ...Read More

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