How to Manage Arthritis Pain and Symptoms During Winter

If you live with osteoarthritis, you may have noticed that your pain and other symptoms fluctuate as the weather changes. People who live in northern climates often say the disease is toughest on them in the colder months of the year.

There is science to back up these observations. Researchers from Tufts University found that changes in temperature and barometric pressure can actually impact pressure inside damaged joints. One study showed that pain increases with every 10-degree drop in temperature. It also showed that low barometric pressure and rain can increase discomfort.

While the pain of osteoarthritis can limit a person’s ability to live a normal life, many are hesitant to use prescription medications. For some people, arthritis medicines can cause negative side effects that range from an upset stomach and ulcers to frequent infections. Fortunately, natural remedies for managing pain and symptoms can be just as effective as prescription medications—and without the worry of experiencing adverse reactions.

Natural Ways to Treat Osteoarthritis

Experts say the key to controlling arthritis is making smart food choices, avoiding being sedentary, and engaging in regular exercise.

• Eat anti-inflammatory foods: For people with arthritis, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet should be the first step. Incorporating inflammation-fighting foods into your menus is essential. Tart cherries, berries, tomatoes, fatty fish, leafy greens, oranges, almonds, walnuts, ginger, raisins, and olive oil are all linked to less inflammation throughout the body. By contrast, processed foods and sugary treats can ramp up inflammation. If you are trying to manage your arthritis naturally, it might help to avoid margarine, fried food, red meat, lunch meats, bread, candy, pastries, and sodas.
• Avoid sitting for too long: While this might be tough to do at first, especially if you are experiencing a flare, getting up and moving throughout the day is vital. A sedentary lifestyle is bad for your health for a variety of reasons, one of which is that it can cause your joints to stiffen. For people with arthritis, that can worsen pain. Get up at least once every hour and stroll around your house for a few minutes. Do some gentle stretching exercises or even march in place. Just keep moving.
• Get regular exercise: Routine exercise that strengthens joints and promotes range of motion can also help you manage your arthritis. Water aerobics in a heated pool, walking, riding a recumbent bicycle, tai chi, chair yoga, and Pilates are all ideas to consider. As is true of any new form of exercise, especially if you haven’t been very active lately, check with your primary care doctor before getting started.

Treating an Arthritis Flare

Despite your best efforts, there will likely be times when arthritis pain and inflammation slow you down. These alternative forms of treatment might help tame an arthritis flare:

• Alternate hot and cold therapies: Most arthritis sufferers know a heating pad applied to painful joints can be a relief. But some research shows that alternating between hot and cold therapies may be even better. Cold packs can aid in reducing inflammation, while heat might decrease pain.
• Focus on hands and feet: For many people, arthritis pain is worst in their hands, wrists, ankles, and feet. By focusing treatment on these extremities, an arthritis sufferer may get relief. Equipment and supplies for heated paraffin dips, like those used by professional nail technicians, can be purchased inexpensively to use at home. Another option is microwaveable gloves and booties filled with rice and lavender. You can heat them up and apply them to painful areas to help manage symptoms.

Consider an Emergency Response Device

People with advanced arthritis often have severely damaged joints, putting them at higher risk for falls. That may make it dangerous for them to live or travel alone. By purchasing a mobile monitoring unit, an arthritis sufferer will have a quick and easy way to summon help in the event of an emergency. Contact us today to learn more!