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How To Prevent Muscle And Joint Pain In The Winter
22 Nov

How To Prevent Muscle And Joint Pain In The Winter

We detail 13 ways to prevent muscle and joint pain in the winter when temperatures drop.

It is that time of year again where you just want to cozy up by the fireplace while sipping on some hot coco and spending some time with the family. However, for those of you who suffer from joint and muscle pain, this cold season can really be difficult and aggravate those aches while making you feel not so jolly.

If you are someone who suffers from arthritis you are not crazy to think it gets worse when the temperature drops. There is a real reason for why this happens. Besides the fact that it is harder to stay active and physically motivated during the cold periods there is a scientific reason for your worsening joint and muscle pain. According to a medical Professor from the University of Harvard, Robert Jamison, this can be explained not necessarily by the cold, rain or snow but a change in the barometric pressure.

What is the barometric pressure you are probably asking?

This is the atmospheric pressure. In other words, this is the force exerted onto a surface by the weight of the atmosphere. High barometric pressure pushes against the body externally, preventing internal tissues from expanding. This is what happens in warm temperatures. When the temperature drops the barometric pressure drops with it and the tissues tend to expand, which allows them to put pressure on our nerves that control our pain signals. This triggers the pain and makes these wintery days feel unbearable on our joints and muscles.

So here are 13 tips to keep your aches and pains from getting worse during the Holidays:

1. STAY WARM: especially head, hands and feet

2. Beat the winter blues and STAY active inside
a. Walk indoors
b. Swim indoors/Hydrotherapy
c. Pick up some weights

3. AVOID strenuous activity

4. Go to a Yoga or Pilates class or stretch while watching your favorite Christmas movie

5. Use the stairs instead of the elevator

6. Stay Hydrated

7. Try not to gain those extra holiday pounds and STICK to your DIET

8. Stock up on bubbles and enjoy a nice warm bath

9. Get yourself some Vitamin D supplements

10. Invest in a good pair of winter boots so you do not slip and fall during this icy period

11. Fish Oil tablets have been shown to reduce inflammation

12. Treat yourself to a nice massage

13. AND do not miss any of your physiotherapy appointments!!