Is the Cold Making Your Arthritis Worse? Here's What to Do

For the millions of Americans with arthritis — nearly 55 million, to be more precise — life can have its challenges due to joint pain and inflammation. While arthritis keeps chugging along no matter the season, the weather can affect your arthritis symptoms, and sometimes not for the better.

For example, many people with arthritis find that the combination of humidity and cold temperatures that accompanies winter on the East Coast isn’t doing their joints any favors. 

If you struggle more in winter with your arthritis, our team of pain management specialists at Revive Spine and Pain Center wants to share some strategies with you here.

Get your arthritis toolkit in order

Winters have been unpredictable in recent years, so don’t be caught off guard. If your arthritis tends to worsen in winter, you need the right tools to combat the discomfort. 

A quick visit to our office provides us the opportunity to check in on your arthritis and to ensure you have what you need to be comfortable this winter. From corticosteroid injections and nerve blocks to regenerative therapies and physical medicine, we have what you need to keep moving without pain.

Keep your joints warm

One of the reasons many people with arthritis find winter to be more challenging is because colder temps can constrict your blood vessels, limiting blood flow, especially to your extremities. As a result, your joints can become more stiff and painful.

We suggest you take steps to ensure that your body is warm by dressing in layers. And pay close attention to your feet and hands — wool socks and mittens are great, as are hand and foot warmers.

We also recommend a warm shower or bath if you’re feeling particularly cold and your joints are stiff.

Find ways to exercise

One of the best ways to reduce inflammation and increase lubrication is through movement. Don’t let winter sideline you from getting some exercise. If you can get outside, that’s great, but there’s plenty you can do indoors in terms of exercise, from lifting weights to yoga.

A good practice is to sign up for some online classes that you can take remotely with other people, which helps you exercise and stay connected.

When the sun’s out, you should be, too

When we get a sunny day, we want you to head outdoors. Not only will the sun warm your joints and make moving around a little more comfortable, you can get a good dose of vitamin D from sun exposure, which can help strengthen the bones in your joints.

Watch out for falls

If your joints tend to be stiffer in colder weather, you might not be able to react as quickly. So we urge you to be very careful outside if there’s ice or snow and make sure you’re on solid footing at all times. Investing in a good pair of boots with grippy soles is a great idea.

By following these best practices, you’ll find that you can better navigate your arthritis during the winter months as you eagerly await the warmer temps and sun of spring and summer.

To make sure you have what you need to manage your arthritis this winter, please contact us at one of our conveniently located offices in Marlton, Hamilton Township, Northfield, or East Brunswick, New Jersey, to schedule an appointment.