Joint Pain In Winter? Tips To Relieve The Aches

As we head into colder weather, many of us will start to feel the cold in our joints. If this is you, no need to fear! Today, I’m sharing my top tips to relieve joint pain in winter.

Why do joints hurt in cold weather?
The truth is, we’re not 100% sure. What specialists theorise is that the cold weather causes change in the tissues around the joints. The connective tissue becomes less flexible and more stiff. And if our joints are restricted, moving them can feel uncomfortable or even painful.
 
Why am I feeling this pain, when others around me don’t feel it?
Some people are more susceptible to weather-related joint pain than others. You are more likely to experience joint pain if:

• You’ve had a previous injury to that joint, such as a broken bone or a dislocation
• You have a condition that causes chronic pain or inflammation
• There is confirmed arthritis in the joint, whether it is osteoarthritis, rheumatoid or psoriatic
• You’re in a low mood – people who are feeling sad or depressed are more sensitive to pain
  
  

Do I need to see someone about my joint pain?
If your pain is new, severe, and/or it is preventing you from enjoying everyday life – yes. Your friendly local myotherapist (me!) can help by providing treatments that reduce inflammation and stiffness in the joint.
 
Tips to relieve joint pain in winter
I know that you can’t always be in to see me. So if joint pain is getting you down, here are my top recommendations to ease the aches away.

1. Gentle movement. This will warm up the joint and bring synovial fluid into the joint capsule. Synovial fluid is the joint’s natural lubricant, so it can help your joint to move smoothly and without pain.
   
   When you are moving, you don’t have to move to the point of pain (we’re a no-pain all-gain group here!). But moving the body within the pain-free limits will keep your joints filled with synovial goodness.
   
   
2. Heat therapy. It might seem obvious, but when you add heat to an area of the body, it brings blood flow into it. The more blood flow, the more your joint can heal any damage or inflammation, and return to its happy flexible self.
   
   Some of my favourite heat therapies include heat packs, hot water bottles and of course, a snuggly electric blankie! Just make sure you follow the safety instructions – we don’t want you getting a burn.
   
   
3. Hydrotherapy exercises. Heated pools have twice the benefits for achey joints. Not only do they have heat therapy benefits, but the water also takes much of the weight off the joint. This makes movement easier and less painful to do. So if you are experiencing pain with gentle movements, this is the best option to take.
   
   Do keep in mind that hydrotherapy feels easy at the time, but it is easy to overdo it at the start. It can be very fatiguing for some, so start with short visits and allow rest time after the session.
   
   For those local to Simple Wellness Myotherapy, your nearest hydrotherapy pool is at Knox Leisureworks. The hydro pool is available to use whenever there is not a class being conducted, so have a chat to the staff about a time that will suit your schedule. At only $7.80 for a full priced adult entry, this is a fairly cheap option that can help keep you moving well during the colder months.
   
   
4. Magnesium cream. This relaxing cream is great to have on hand when the aches set in. Magnesium relaxes the muscles around the joint, easing the tension, and it can be applied as often as you need.
   
   Better yet, convince your partner to give you a mini massage!
   
   The clinic stocks Bioceuticals UltraMuscleEze Magnesium Cream, and I also use this cream as part of treatments. So if you’d like some to take home with you, pick some up on your next visit.

 
Do you need a little extra TLC to relieve the aches and pains that cold weather brought on? Make sure you book in an appointment.