6 Keys to Enduring Arthritis and Cold Weather
Arthritis and cold weather are not the best of friends. Some people swear they can even predict an upcoming cold front because of joint pain flaring up!
While there’s no one singular answer to why joints are affected by dropping temperatures, there seems to be merit to the argument that dropping barometric pressure causes muscles, tendons, and tissue to expand up causing joint pain in people with arthritis.
How to Avoid Arthritis Pain in Cold Weather
Since we can’t stop the changing of seasons and the chill that winter brings, what can we do about arthritis and cold weather? There are a number of easy things you can do to help reduce joint pain as cooler weather comes around. We’re looking at these 6 keys to enduring arthritis and cold weather to keep you from experiencing joint pain:
- Dress warmly
- Consider wearing layers
- Exercise indoors
- Stay hydrated
- Take vitamin D and fish oil
- Get a massage
Dress in Warm Clothing
If you have to go out in colder weather it’s important to make sure you’re wearing the right clothes. A big part of minimizing discomfort from arthritis and cold weather is keeping joints warm and insulated. Proper clothes for people with arthritis braving the cold include an insulated coat, warm pants, and gloves.
If you’re driving, make sure your gloves do not impede your ability to maintain control of a steering wheel, but they should be thick enough that your hands keep their warmth. Most joint pain in cold weather stems from the extremities so protecting the hands should be a priority.
Wear Layers for Temperature Changes
To further expand on wearing adequate clothing, enduring arthritis and cold weather means layering up! Wearing layers to protect against joint pain in cold weather also gives you options for adjustments throughout the day.
If you leave your house earlier in the morning before temperatures rise for the day, having more layers will help insulate you against the biting cold. You don’t want to overheat yourself, though, especially in places where the temperatures may fluctuate dramatically.
In more desert regions, for example, the temperature difference between times with the sun is up and after sundown can be vastly different. Layers allow you to protect yourself and be ready for any scenario while remaining comfortable.
Exercise Indoors to Improve Flexibility and Mobility
A lot of people experience joint pain from inactivity during cold weather. While the winter chill might make you want to simply curl up in front of a fireplace or wrap yourself in a blanket sitting in your zero gravity chair it’s important to keep the joints loose.
Exercising indoors is the perfect solution to staying physically active without having to overdo it out in the elements. Snow, ice, and rain can make for unsafe conditions to be outside so bring your daily fitness routine indoors!
There are lots of items for staying fit indoors you’ll find are available. Adjustable dumbbell sets give fitness lovers a way to make any space into a home gym and are easy to store when not in use. You can also combine physical activities with zero gravity chairs or other pieces of furniture to perform easy exercises that keep you limber and loose.
An important part of relieving joint pain is improving blood circulation. Exercising and relaxing in a zero gravity chair helps blood flow more efficiently throughout the body hydrating tissue, reducing inflammation, and improving mobility.
Stay Hydrated to Fight Inflammation
Staying hydrated is absolutely essential for enduring arthritis and cold weather. While it’s important for everyone to stay hydrated regardless of their health, it’s especially important with those experiencing joint pain. Drinking enough water works to flush toxins from your system and reduce inflammation. It also keeps your joints lubricated and prevents them from grinding on each other.
Start each day with a glass of water before you have anything to eat. This is important, as most people wake up dehydrated without realizing it. Since hunger can also be a misinterpretation of dehydration, having that glass of water in the morning can also help prevent you from overeating at breakfast.
Water can get a little bit boring, can’t it? Just because you have arthritis doesn’t mean you’re stuck with water only for the rest of your life. Alternatives like tea and coffee also make the list of the best drinks for arthritis pain. While there have been debates in various studies over the association of coffee intake and arthritis, the general suggestion would be to drink it in moderation.
Take Vitamin Supplements
While a healthy diet is always encouraged, another key to enduring arthritis and cold weather is taking vitamin supplements for relieving joint pain. Certain dietary vitamins and supplements act as anti-inflammatories in the body. Studies have shown examples like dietary vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to yield better treatment results for arthritis sufferers.
Get a Massage to Keep the Body Loose
Who doesn’t love a good massage, right? A massage is even better when it helps reduce joint pain in cold weather!
There have been a multitude of studies on the benefits of massage for different types of arthritis showing positive results. For example, 15-minute moderate pressure massage for hand arthritis led to reduced pain and improved grip. Massage has been shown to reduce back and neck pain, as well. Finally, in those with arthritis in the knees (a very common ailment), massage was shown to greatly improve mobility and pain levels.
If it’s cold out, though, maybe going out for a massage isn’t feasible or desirable. There are lots of home options to remedy that situation. Most effectively is the zero gravity chair. Some of the health benefits of the massage function in zero gravity chairs include:
- Improving blood circulation
- Reducing inflammation
- Increasing mobility
- Helping the body heal faster
Massage also helps reduce pain through the release of endorphins in the body. Endorphins have been shown to naturally reduce pain levels and improve mood. With a zero gravity massage chair, you can enjoy the benefits of massage in the comfort of your own home.
There are a few very easy things you can do to help reduce pain from arthritis and cold weather. Dress warmly and in layers, stay hydrated, and choose a zero gravity chair with massage functions that will provide mental and physical health benefits. Follow these simple tips and you’ll have nothing to worry about this winter!
Zero gravity chairs are good for more than just massage. Since you’re likely stuck inside more these days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, learn how a zero gravity chair benefits your body while staying home!
