Staying active when the weather gets cold will help keep joint pain at bay.
Most people with arthritis will agree cold weather means aches and pains.
Why is winter so harsh on arthritic joints?
“This question is as old as time,” said Dr. Brady Didion, a Marshfield Clinic family medicine physician.
The answer still isn’t clear, he said, but there are things you can do to ease joint pain.
Scientists search for answers
Research on the effects of cold weather and barometric pressure on joint pain has produced mixed results. Some studies showed a connection, others showed no connection and some were inconclusive.
In short, it’s still not known why so many people report joint pain when the weather changes, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a link.
“Experience tells us there are definitely changes in pain and function when the weather changes,” Didion said.
Stay active and fit
“Strengthening and stretching muscles around painful joints is the best way to keep symptoms under control,” Didion said.
That means staying active.
Instead of walking outside in cold temperatures, head indoors to a mall, track or treadmill. Or take a dip in an indoor pool for a good workout without the impact.
Movement also will help you shed extra pounds that add stress to your joints.
Being overweight or obese is a major contributor to joint pain, Didion said. Losing weight will make a difference in how your joints feel the next time cold weather rolls in, even if you don’t see the results this winter.
“The best thing to do is to focus on wellness rather than what you do before winter or a particular supplement you can take,” he said. “Stay active, eat well and be in touch with a caring provider.”
Medication for joint pain relief
Didion recommends non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen to control joint pain when you need immediate relief. Both medicines are available over-the-counter (OTC).
He cautioned against using supplements that claim to relieve joint pain.
“Not everything you see advertised is effective or safe for everybody to take,” Didion said. “Some supplements have side effects like raising blood pressure and making blood thinner than it should be.”
Talk to your doctor before taking a new OTC medication or supplement for joint pain.
If OTC pain relievers don’t ease the pain, your doctor may recommend more aggressive treatments like prescription pain relievers, muscle relaxants, steroid injections or surgery.
About two weeks ago my right knee started to ache and shortly after that it swelled up an got to the point that i could not bend it i got a knee support and used it for three days the knee stayed swelled up but got so i can bend it again i started to walk on it again and i got right back to aching and stiffened up again so i am now icing it regularly and still using the knee brace to aid my walking .I am going into my third week with this and am getting concerned about it the swelling is going down but the pain is still intense and i am worried that when i take the brace off again the leg may not bend what is your suggestion i am also taking Aleve for the pain ?
Gene – I apologize for the delay in our response. We cannot give individualized health advice on this forum. If you are concerned with your leg, you may want to find a doctor to address specific issues: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/Doctors You could also create and use your My Marshfield Clinic account's secure messaging to safely send questions to your care team: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/MyMarshfieldClinic -Kirstie
Is using a heating pad a good idea?
Hi Joan, great question. There are benefits to applying heat but it's important to know when. Here's an article that answers the question. https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/sports-wrap/ice-or-heat.
quite busy cleaning house,go to church and did sprain my right foot. icing it and do walk with. can't just sit around. when things need to get done.
Do you have an opinion on eating golden raisons soaked in gin?
We have not heard that one before so we asked Dr. Didion. Here's what he had to say: "Some people claim anti-inflammatory properties in gin-soaked golden raisins will relieve arthritis pain. Eating a few gin-soaked raisins per day probably won’t hurt you, but we recommend pairing this home remedy with the methods mentioned in this blog post that are proven to ease joint pain." Thanks for reading.
I like raisens but don't care for acolol
Would like to experience less joint pain.
Steve
We hope this story helps, Steve. You have a lot of options. Our orthopedics team would also be happy to work with you: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/Specialties/orthopedics -Kirstie, Marshfield Clinic
I have trochantic bursitis over my right trochanter. Getting worse with the cold weather. I am very active. I walk a lot, do Zumba, go to Curves to work out and do yoga. I am working through the pain. Is there anything I can do to help the pain.