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It’s that time of the year again when joint pains and stiffness often take a violent turn for the worse, as the cold weather triggers more muscle spasms. Those with arthritis are among the worst sufferers, as the sudden plunge in barometric pressure causes swelling in the joints, putting extra load on the nerves that control the pain centres. Reduced circulation to the extremities of the body simply add to the woes, as does vitamin D deficiency, a quite common phenomenon in winter.

Yes, winters are really bad for arthritics, and while scientists are still grappling with all the probable causes which make joint pains worse in cold weather, another explanation is perhaps that low temperatures cause the synovial fluid, shock absorber to our joints, to thicken, rendering the joints more sensitive to pain. Another study has revealed that winter sparks an increase in our genes which promote inflammation, with a simultaneous waning of those which suppress inflammation.

Arthritis can be inflammatory, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus arthritis, gout, etc, or non-inflammatory, including osteoarthritis or arthritis from thyroid disease. It is now known that both inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritis get worse in cold weather.

What can I do to cope with arthritis pain in winter?

You can follow some simple tips to cope better:

• Keep yourself warm: Wear those extra layers of clothing, particularly in the areas which ache more, like the knees and elbows, wear compression gloves or mittens and socks. A hot tub soak or a heated-pool swim can also help with the aches.
• Eat healthy: Binging on sweet dishes or having too much of spicy or processed food can exacerbate symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis patients. An unhealthy diet also raises the risk of osteoporosis and heart diseases.
• Try to manage stress better: Stress has been seen to worsen arthritis pain, more so in cold weather. So, try out ways to alleviate stress, and practice a method that works for you best.
• Exercise regularly:Any kind of physical activity, be it walking, cycling, swimming, aerobics or yoga, gives you added flexibility and positivity, and you deal with your pain better. So, stick to an exercise regimen.
• Sleep well: Try to get enough sleep as sleep deprivation is known to bring on fatigue and depression and worsen aches and pains.
• Check your vitamin D count: Make sure your vitamin D count doesn’t fall drastically, which is often the case in winter months. It can severely aggravate pain in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritis patient groups.
• Share your plight: Tell your family members or friends about the abominable pain you are suffering. Sharing often improves your depression and gives you positivity, to cope with pain better.
• Get your annual flu shot: People with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and other autoimmune types of arthritis are more vulnerable to influenza and pneumonia. So don’t forget your flu and pneumonia shots.
• Watch your weight: Stay on guard against obesity, because those extra kilos add more pressure to your joints and make your arthritis pain worse.
• Stay hydrated: Remember to keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, an aspect we often tend to ignore in chilly weather.

Sometimes, in spite of all the precautions you take, you may still find it difficult to deal with the pain and discomfort. If the pain becomes unbearable or your movements become severely restricted, it would be advisable to visit a doctor. At Medica Siliguri, our joint pain clinic offers complete care for all ailments related to the bones and joints.