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How to Relieve Cold Weather Joint Pain

seniors exercising to relive joint pain

Seven Tips to Retain Joint Health This Winter in Wichita

As the temperatures continue to drop here in Wichita, some of you may notice a twinge of joint pain or stiffness coming on. This isn’t a coincidence. Cold weather has been proven to trigger seasonal joint issues in certain individuals.

The theory behind this relates to barometric pressure. When it drops in the winter, this can cause the muscles, tendons, and the surrounding tissues to expand, which can result in pain, stiffness, and other forms of discomfort. The people experiencing this may not necessarily have joint health issues. How winter weather affects a person’s joints isn’t universal, which is what makes the cold weather effect so intriguing in the field of orthopedics.

However, nobody should have to withstand joint pain just because it’s cold outside. The following are some of the top ways you can maintain optimal joint health and some tips on pain management.

Tip #1 – Layer Up

There’s one surefire way you can keep your joints nice and warm – layers. The next time you have to face a cold winter’s day, make sure that your joints are properly insulated with warm clothing. Using long johns or a similar base layer of clothing will go a long way. Combine that with your traditional winter weather wear, and you should notice an improvement.

Tip #2 – Exercise

Everyone should be getting at least 30 – 45 minutes of moderate exercise per day. It will keep you in shape, boost your metabolism, and build up muscle and bone strength. Those with strong muscles and bones are generally less susceptible to winter-related joint pain.

Tip #3 – Lose Weight

According to recent statistics, roughly 100 million Americans suffer from chronic knee pain. Many of those cases are due to excessive weight. When a person is carrying extra weight, much of that added pressure is placed on the knees. Cold weather has been known to trigger knee pain in certain individuals, but this can be reduced by reaching a healthy weight.

Tip #4 – Avoid Straining Your Joints

Some folks in the Wichita area may experience joint pain in the winter that’s related to performing outdoor manual labor or other activity that strains the joint. If your joints are currently in pain, try to avoid doing anything that will put further strain on them. This applies to things like shoveling the walkway and other activities of that nature.

Tip #5 – Use Holistic Methods for Pain Management

Winter weather-related joint pain can usually be relieved without advanced orthopedics. The next time you’re experiencing pain or stiffness, try applying a heating pad to the joint for twenty minutes or so. In most cases, this will warm the joint up and offer pain relief.

Tip #6 – Use Over-the-Counter Medications for Pain Management

Sometimes joint pain and stiffness can be so bad that it’s hard to function. There are over-the-counter pain relievers that don’t contain steroids and should help reduce inflammation. Some of the most common ones used for pain management include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.

Tip #7 – See an Orthopedic Doctor

There’s no shame in wanting to see a professional about relieving your joint pain. Countless individuals are affected by cold weather-related joint pain every year, which makes some of them question their overall joint health. Orthopedic doctors also have the tools and resources to get to the bottom of what’s causing joint pain. It could be weather-related, or it could be something more serious. Consulting with an orthopedic doctor near you will give you the confirmation you’re looking for.

Looking for an Orthopedic Doctor Near You in Wichita? Contact Mid-America Orthopedics

If you are one of the many that are experiencing joint pain that seems to be triggered by cold weather, you don’t have to suffer through it. Contact the professionals at Mid-America Orthopedics for a full examination and consultation. We can get to the root cause of what’s causing your joint discomfort and provide you with a treatment plan that’s specific to you. Our goal is to help you achieve optimal joint health so you can get through the winter pain-free.

If you’re looking for an orthopedic surgeon near you, Mid-America Orthopedics has one of the most experienced teams of surgeons in the Wichita area. They perform procedures such as arthroscopic surgery, joint replacement surgery, and more so that patients can finally reclaim their quality of life. Additionally, Mid-America Orthopedics has a team of physical therapists who can help patients through the rehabilitation process and with their pain management.

Set up an appointment with the experienced team at Mid-America Orthopedics Wichita today. You can email us directly using the contact form on our website or call us at (316) 630-9300.