Researchers have found a relationship between winter and joint pain in recent years. These findings highlight how weather conditions such as damp and cold weather, barometric pressure, and humidity may exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis. You may need to be extra careful during this time of the year, especially if you are living in tropical climates.
Does humidity increase joint stiffness?
Yes, increased humidity and cold weather can contribute to increased stiffness in joints, especially among people with arthritis. Their aetiology remains unknown, but alterations in humidity, along with temperature and barometric pressure affect the sensations in the joints. High moisture may cause tissues to swell, exert pressure on joints, and produce stiffness or discomfort. For some individuals, symptoms of arthritis worsen on humid days. They may find their joints tighter and more restricted in movement. Please remember that not everyone is sensitive to this. The level of joint stiffness due to changes in weather may be different from one person to another.
How can people with arthritis manage symptoms during monsoons?
As discussed above, cold and damp weather can increase symptoms of arthritis. People may complain about exacerbated pain and stiffness during these seasons. The increased pain may cause discomfort and difficulties in doing daily tasks. Dr Rachit Gulati, Orthopaedics, Medical Director, Recoup Health, Bengaluru, Karnataka suggests these strategies to reduce joint pain in monsoon:
Regular exercise
Daily exercise can limit the stiffness in joints. During the rainy seasons, one can keep exercising indoors by stretching, yoga, or light aerobics, which can keep the joints fluid.
Warm compression
Applying a warm compress can ease stiffened joints and reduce pain and discomfort. It boosts blood flow, gradually reducing inflammation.
Adequate hydration
Hydration through enough water keeps the body moist and minimises swelling. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining lubrication in joints. Adequate hydration makes them less stiff in the rainy season.
Anti-inflammatory diet
Omega-3, antioxidants, and fibre can help reduce inflammation. Inculcate foods like fish, nuts, berries, and leafy greens to relieve arthritis symptoms. Specific diets like the Mediterranean diet and anti-inflammatory diets can help with arthritis.
Mindfulness and relaxation like pranayama
Breathing exercises such as pranayama reduce stress and calm down the body. Stress causes aches in the joints; therefore, mindful practices will help improve the symptoms.
Visit the doctor frequently
Going to the doctor several times ensures that the patient is constantly monitored for arthritis symptoms, which are treated in time. It also allows adjustments of medications or treatments as and when needed during the rainy season.
What precautions should be taken in humid climates?
In wet climates, people with arthritis should particularly be careful about the joints so that they won’t stiffen and ache. People with arthritis need to avoid certain things so they do not experience the worst symptoms in adverse weather conditions. They are cited underneath:
Inactivity over a long time
Sitting or lying down over a long period may make joints stiffen. Regular movement is always important, even through gentle exercises, so that there is flexibility, which reduces stiffness.
Extreme exposure to cold
Cold and damp environments increase joint pain. Avoid excessive exposure to cold. Use warm clothing or heating pads to keep the joints warm.
Excessive salt intake
Increased salt intake causes water retention that might contribute to swelling in the joints. Follow a low-sodium diet to reduce inflammation.
Overexertion
Overstretching or overexertion of joints at the time of exercise or in daily life causes pain and flare-ups. Low-impact activities and listening to your body prevent overworking the joints.
Wet clothes or environments
It aggravates the condition if your clothes are wet. Immediately get out of wet clothes and stay away from damp, cold places that may initiate flare-ups of joint pain.
Not paying attention to early signs of pain.
Ignoring pain at the beginning can lead to increased joint problems. Most swelling or pain disappears when you do gentle stretches, apply warm compresses, or rest.
Being stressed
Stress exaggerates the symptoms of arthritis. Work on being free of mental tension and involve yourself in arthritic-friendly relaxation techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises.
Take care of these points and you will be safe from winter joint pain. Try staying warm as much as possible during these weather conditions. Wear warm, dry clothes during this time. If you are going out and you or your clothes get wet, change into fresh clothes as soon as possible.
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