Winter is coming, and so is arthritis discomfort. We’ve got ten tips to help you weather the cold months and keep your joints flexible.
1. Stay Active
Don’t power through significant joint pain without talking to your doctor, but do try to keep moving even as winter makes you feel sluggish. Motion is good for joints and can help with achiness or stiffness. At-home weight training, brisk walks around a heated indoor mall, indoor swimming in a heated pool, and Yoga or Pilates classes can all help your joints.
2. Watch Your Weight
Every pound you put on over the holidays can worsen knee, hip, ankle and back pain. Count your carbs or your calories or whatever else you need to do to keep your intake stable and prevent winter weight from creeping on.
3. Dress for Success
The secret to making it through the winter is lots and lots of layers, fingerless gloves under mittens, a turtleneck under a sweater, leggings under loose pants, dress socks under fuzzy ones.This gives you options and keeps you from overheating without exposing your joints to sudden temperature changes if you need to unwrap a little.
4. Crank That Thermostat
Keep your home warm, and stock up on heating blankets and bottles so no matter where you are you can keep your limbs toasty. (If you’re diabetic, be careful with heating aids, and discuss how to use them safely with your doctor.)
5. Slather on Soothers
Joint and muscle pain creams, ointments, and salves can provide sensations that your brain interprets as relief, mitigating feelings of pain and restoring equilibrium. Warm baths can work wonders, too, but only if your bathroom is also warm so you don’t get frigid when you get out.
6. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
It’s incredibly easy to cut down on liquids unintentionally in the winter. Wam non-diuretic teas, soups, and broths are great ways to stay healthy and keep you from dehydrating under the heater vent.
7. Improve Your Diet Whenever You Can
Stock up on fruits and vegetables, cook with lean meats and healthy fats,and choose whole grains. This will help ensure you’re getting proper vitamin and mineral support for your joints.
8. Look Into Non-Surgical Treatments for Pain and Inflammation
Platelet rich plasma can help reduce inflammation and help your body heal itself. Injections of iovera° can help with chronic knee pain. Ask Dr. Strasburger what these and other regenerative treatments can do to help keep you comfortable and active. You can reach us at 402-466-0100 or make an appointment online today.