Cold weather can make joint pain and other chronic pain worse. Whether you have arthritis or inflammation problems, the cold can make your symptoms worse. There are many possible reasons for increased pain during winter. Finding ways to manage chronic pain and stay active in the winter season is essential. Read on to learn more about how to manage pain symptoms in the winter season.
If you are suffering from chronic pain and seeking better medical care, visit Specialty Care Clinics. We provide pain management services. Our certified healthcare professionals will help you manage pain and recover faster. Dial 469-545-9983 for booking an appointment.
Cold weather reduces blood flow, which can lead to pain in your extremities. It is also common to be less physically active during the cold months, and this can interfere with pain management routines. Understanding what causes pain symptoms is vital for managing the condition. It’s the first step. Once you understand your triggers, your therapist can help you create a plan to manage your symptoms. Here are some tips for reducing chronic hard pain during the winter season.
Exercise 45 Minutes A Day: Prioritize daily exercise and physical activities. Some of you may not want to take a walk or hit the gym in the cold, but you need to find ways to stay active. Exercise and activity strengthen key muscles, keep soft tissues working properly, and help reduce painful inflammation. Whether you’re exercising in the basement or running on the treadmill while watching a show, you should challenge yourself to move for at least 45 minutes every day.- Eat A Healthy Diet: You can boost your immune system by eating a variety of healthy foods, including vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and good fats. The more colours on your food plate, the better. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet high in vegetables can help maintain physical and emotional health and eliminate some of the side effects of medications, such as mental fogginess. Be careful with your diet in the winter season, as high-carbohydrate and high-sugar foods can increase inflammation and lead to chronic flare-ups.
- Stay Hydrated: During the winter months, it’s easy to overlook the importance of water, when you look outside and you’re surrounded by a frozen version, you tend to drink less water. When you’re dehydrated, blood can’t reach your tissues as easily, causing cramps and spasms in your muscle groups. Keep a large glass of water nearby at all times during the winter and try to drink the glass several times a day.
- Use Heating Pads: Heating pads can help soothe inflamed joints and help in blood flow in and out of an area easily, but be smart when using heat pads, as setting the heat pads too high can cause burns. Use heat pads for 20 to 30 minutes or take a warm water bath, it will allow your whole body to benefit from the heat. Heat therapy is good for pain caused by muscle spasms, muscle stiffness, and joint stiffness. Heat increases blood flow and helps tight muscles relax.
- Wear Warm Clothes: Speaking of staying warm, it’s important to dress appropriately for the cold weather to keep your body warm. Your joints don’t work better when it’s cold, as the temperature can affect the synovial fluid in your joints. If you have chronic pain in your joints, the cold is probably your enemy. Keep yourself warm by wearing layers when you’re out in the cold in the winter season.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate, which can cause your body to lose heat, and this can be a problem for your chronic pain. Alcohol can also cause inflammation which leads to more inflammation in our joints. And while it may seem like alcohol consumption can help you fall asleep, it tends to lead to less restful sleep. Your body relies on this restorative sleep to get rid of toxins and other waste products that can contribute to chronic pain. Instead of drinking alcohol this festive season, have a cup of hot tea or soup to warm your body.
If you need help overcoming chronic pain problems, reach out to Speciality Care Clinics.
Our doctor will help you to manage chronic pain. Call 469-545-9983 for booking an appointment.