Winter Weather and Joint Pain: How to Stay Comfortable This Season
Do your joints hurt more in the winter than in any other season? This is likely due to drops in barometric pressure, which causes tendons, muscles, and surrounding tissues to expand. This can cause joint pain and stiffness, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions like arthritis or chronic pain. Learn more about the steps you can take to manage joint pain during the winter and stay comfortable while still enjoying the season’s festivities.
1. Stay Warm
As the weather gets colder, it’s important to take additional steps to stay warm, such as dressing in layers and wearing thermal clothing. Apply heating pads to painful areas and take warm baths, not just to keep warm, but also to help relax the muscles.
2. Get Active
Exercise can help build up muscle and bone strength, reducing pressure on the joints so they’re less prone to injury. It also helps manage weight, further decreasing stress on the joints, particularly the knees. Consider incorporating low-impact exercises such as yoga or swimming into your routine. You can also stretch before going outside to loosen stiff joints.
3. Seek Professional Help
If your winter joint pain becomes persistent or worsens, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible. A pain management specialist can assess your joint pain, make an accurate diagnosis, and recommend a treatment plan that best addresses your unique concerns. Treatment may involve pain-blocking techniques, including injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, and more, as well as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
Schedule an Appointment with a Joint Pain Relief Specialist
Winter joint pain can be challenging to navigate, but there are ways to manage it, such as staying warm and active, as well as consulting with a professional. If you’re looking for joint pain relief in Hoboken, Jersey City, or Bayonne, NJ, turn to the joint pain relief experts at The Spine & Sports Center. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
