Although commonly thought to be a symptom of aging, joint pain can be caused by various conditions, including environmental conditions. Joint pain can affect anyone of any age, although understanding when to be concerned about chronic joint pain can help you identify underlying conditions early. Visit AFC Urgent Care North Bergen today for preventative healthcare services and injury diagnosis near North Bergen, New Jersey.  

Does Cold Weather Cause Joint Pain?

Joint pain can occur due to a wide variety of factors. Injuries, physical condition, activity level, and other factors can all impact joint health and ultimately lead to joint pain. Although certain conditions such as arthritis typically impact older individuals, the colder weather in the winter can certainly impact joint health and lead to discomfort for people of all ages.

The cause of winter joint pain is due to the exposure to cold air. Cold temperatures can cause our bodies to stiffen up, which can lead to joint pain. When the weather is cold, our tendons and ligaments that connect our joints can contract and expand which can make it harder for your joints to move and cause soreness. Our joints are surrounded by joint fluid which helps lubricate them and help them move smoothly. During the colder months, the cold weather can cause this fluid to thicken which will make it harder for your joints to move and cause pain.

How To Prevent Joint Pain

Seasonal joint pain can happen to anyone, however, it is more likely to occur for older individuals who have more wear and tear on their joints. But, joint pain due to cold weather exposure can happen to anyone, regardless of age. If you’re experiencing sudden joint stiffness or pain, the first thing you should do is seek medical diagnosis. Joint pain can be an indication of an injury and early treatment is essential to promote proper healing.

Tips For Reducing Joint Pain During Winter:

• Cover Up: Wearing the proper layers when its cold outside which cover your major points can help prevent the fluid in your joints from thickening.
• Stay Active: Making an effort to stay active during the winter will help keep your joints mobile and less likely to experience swelling and stiffness.
• Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated will ensure your joints are well lubricated and prevent muscle cramps.
• Eat Anti-Inflamatory Foods: Focusing your diet on foods like leafy greens, fatty fish and healthy oils can help reduce inflamation in your body, including around your joints.

Joint pain is important to pay attention to as it can indicate an injury. If you’re experiencing joint pain year round and not just during the colder months or your joint pain is severe, you should consult your healthcare provider for a more in depth evaluation of your pain.

Visit AFC Urgent Care North Bergen For Joint Pain Treatment

At AFC Urgent Care Bergen, our dedicated team of medical providers is available seven days a week to diagnose and treat joint pain. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with a digital X-ray suite on-site which allows for advanced imaging of your joints during your initial visit. We never require you to make an appointment to receive fast and affordable care, simply walk into our clinic when it’s convenient for you.

Whether you’re someone who regularly suffers from joint discomfort, or your joint pain is a new symptom, the board-certified medical providers at AFC Urgent Care North Bergen can help. Simply walk into our clinic, or make an appointment online. We offer a wide variety of preventative healthcare services, as well as urgent injury diagnosis and treatment. For additional questions regarding our clinic, please contact us directly by calling 201-773-1360.