Do you have achy joints that seem to worsen during winter? Do your wrists, ankles, and hips feel like it's grinding against one another when you walk? If you do, you are not alone as millions of people have confessed to feeling extra achy during winter. If you are looking for ways to relieve your joint stiffness during winter, this article discusses ways to help you deal with the discomfort brought by the cold weather.
For same-day treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Union City. Our board-certified medical providers can evaluate your condition and plan care accordingly. Simply walk-in or schedule an appointment online.
What Causes Joint Pain During the Winter?
When compared to summer, there are more reported cases of joint injuries and immobility. During winter, blood circulation in the body reduces, causing the muscles to contract. This stiffens the joint and causes pain whenever you move. Moreover, more stay indoors during winter and they no longer participate in regular stretching or exercise. Studies have also shown that barometric pressure contributes to joint pain as the joint can feel changes in air pressure. A change in atmospheric barometric pressure causes synovial fluid to expand and contract, contributing to joint pain.
How To Manage Joint Pain
It's important to take certain procedures if you want to manage your joint pain. These procedures are simple, but can only become effective if performed regularly. They include the following:
1. Eat a balanced diet: Eating a simple balanced diet can help reduce joint pain greatly. A balanced meal containing all the required nutrients in appropriate proportions supplies nutrition to the bone and helps lubricate it for movement.
2. Exercise: During the winter months, people are less likely to move around due to the cold weather. Regardless it is essential to keep your body active even if you feel less motivated. Since low-impact activity can benefit your joints, engage in yoga, pilates, or swimming if you have a heated, indoor swimming pool.
3. Regulate your weight: Winter comes along with weight gain as people tend to munch on food during the cold holidays. This simple habit can cause weight gain and although an increase in weight may not seem like much to you, they can affect your joints by mounting excess pressure on them. Simply eat in small, lighter portions and engage in simple cardio to keep fit.
4: Dress appropriately: The winter is not only brutal to the skin, it also affects the joints so it is important to wear the appropriate clothing whenever you plan on going out. Protect your fingers, toes, and face by wearing thick clothing, alongside gloves or mittens. Choose thick woolen socks to protect your feet and ankles from cold.
5. Keep yourself warm inside: When you are indoors, it is important to keep yourself warm to protect your joints. You can do this by repairing your HVAC system or serving your heater. You should also repair the windows and ceilings to prevent the entry of cold air. Carry around heating pads and place them on your joints to keep them warm. You can also use soothing ointments on your joints to keep them warm.
Get Same-Day Care at AFC Urgent Care Union City
If you still experience stiff joints that cause severe pain when you move, visiting an urgent care center to get yourself checked is advisable. A healthcare provider can perform several tests on your body and proffer an extensive treatment plan to help you treat or manage the pain. Dealing with joint pain? Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Union City. Our board-certified medical providers are here seven days a week to provide quality urgent care– all without the need to schedule an appointment. Just walk-in! If you have any additional questions about our services, please contact our office directly by calling us at (551) 257-1948.
