Don’t Let The Deep Freeze Settle In Your Joints

If your knees tell you when a snowstorm is coming, or you can sense impending rain in your wrists, it’s time to take some steps to protect your joints from changing weather. There is no concrete evidence to suggest a change in the weather affects joint health, but many people will tell you it certainly does.

Know what you can do this winter to protect yourself from unnecessary aches and pains and leave the forecast predictions to the weatherman.

What You Wear

Winter is an excellent time to bust out the cozy sweaters and fuzzy socks, but don’t neglect the joints in your legs, arms, and hands. If you’re going outside layer up around your hands and knees with leggings and gloves.

You can always take layers off as the temperature changes during the day. Keeping the rest of your body warm will also promote good circulation and keep your joints warm.

What You Consume

Drinking plenty of water is always a must, but it will also help support joint health as dehydration causes joint sensitivity.
Dietary supplements like vitamin D, fish oil, and glucosamine-chondroitin may also relieve joint pain. However, make sure to consult your physician before starting any new supplements.

Over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen is a safe bet to help ease joint pain. If you wish to stay away from extra medicines, there are herbal teas like white willow and juniper berry that have been effective for alleviating pain.

What You Do

You’re more likely to feel stiff and achy if you stay sedentary all day, so make daily exercise a habit to loosen up your joints. Exercise will also help you maintain a healthy weight, which in turn takes the pressure off your joints.

Treadmills are an excellent way to stay active inside, and swimming keeps the pressure off your joints while you exercise. Take warm baths at home to loosen muscles and ease the pain but allow your body time to return to its normal temperature before heading outside.

What Can Help

If you are looking for another way to ease joint pain, check out these alternative pain management methods:

• Acupuncture: Some people have noticed relief after undergoing acupuncture as it may help relieve tension in joints and muscles.
• Massage: Muscle tension around your joints can cause just as much pain as the joints themselves, so try out a massage to help relieve built-up tension.
• Epsom salts: Along with a warm bath, adding Epsom salts to the tub will allow minerals to soak into your body and support healthy cartilage.

To learn more about how Embassy Healthcare can help you protect your joints this winter, call us at 888-975-1379 or contact us online.