How to Manage Arthritis Pain During the Cool Winter Months

If you have arthritis, there are worse places to live than in the winter than the Bay Area. Even so, the cooler temperatures and rainy weather can make arthritis symptoms worse. 

Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons and physical medicine physicians with Peninsula Orthopedic Associates treat arthritis pain and stiffness with compassionate care. Whether it’s back, shoulder, knee, or other joint pain that hinders your mobility, we’re here to help you maximize your ability to move. 

Following are helpful tips to help you manage arthritis symptoms during the winter. 

Keep your joints warm 

Not everyone can go to Palm Springs in the winter. Cooler weather can do a number on your joints when you have arthritis. The synovial fluid that lubricates your joints doesn’t flow as smoothly in cool weather as it does when you’re warm. You may feel more stiff and achy. 

To avoid these symptoms, keep yourself warm. You likely already have a heating pad that helps your back feel better. If you haven’t invested in an electric blanket yet, you might get a good deal on one during the holiday sales. 

If your house feels cool, use a modern electric heater in the rooms where you spend the most time. It may pay to investigate a pellet stove, which can really keep your room toasty, but there are strict emission standards. 

If you’ve gone out for a walk on a cold day, run a hot bath to soak in after your walk. Add Epsom salts to soothe your joints. Make the time special by adding candles and music or a good book. 

Exercise regularly

Don’t stop exercising when it’s cold outside. Research shows that performing moderate exercise every day is the best way to reduce pain and stiffness from arthritis. 

There are many YouTube, AARP, and other exercise videos you can use to get moving right in your family room or bedroom. You’ll feel both energized and relaxed when you finish. Exercise stimulates your endorphins, which are hormones that boost mood and feelings of well-being. 

Stretch your joints 

Do you stretch regularly? Make it a part of your exercise routine. Stretching your joints before exercising loosens tight muscles and gets oxygen-rich blood flowing. 

Have you tried chair yoga or standing yoga? Performing yoga poses also helps to stretch joints and strengthens muscles. 

Eat healthily

The foods you eat have an effect on your joints. When it’s cold outside, eat more carbohydrates, but choose them carefully. Whole grains with seeds and nuts with almond butter is a good choice, as are salmon and other fish high in omega-3s. 

Cakes, cookies, and other processed foods aren’t healthy choices. Processed foods include sugars that increase inflammation in your joints. When you reduce the amount of sugar you eat, you’ll notice an improvement in joint discomfort. 

Red meat may also increase inflammation, and it has high amounts of saturated fats. Try an elimination diet and see what works best for you. 

For expert orthopedic care for all of your musculoskeletal concerns, call Peninsula Orthopedic Associates at one of our convenient area offices, or request an appointment through our online portal today. We’re located in Daly City, Menlo Park, and Los Gatos, California.