Cold Weather Tips for Arthritis Patients
As winter approaches, more than 54.4 million Americans diagnosed with some form of arthritis, including 1.3 million adult Americans living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), may face more frequent and severe flareups.
We all experience discomfort during the winter months, with many of us having to deal with frosty temperatures and treacherous, icy sidewalks. However, patients diagnosed with either psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or RA may have more difficulty controlling their symptoms during the winter.
A recent study linked cold weather conditions and increased rheumatic pain in middle-aged patients between 50 and 65 years of age.
Therefore, it is no surprise that the number of doctor visits for patients with PsA and RA increase this time of year.
The following cold weather tips for arthritis can significantly benefit most patients during these winter months.
Stay Active
Exercise is crucial for people living with arthritis, as physical activity can help ease pain, increase strength and flexibility, as well as boost energy levels.
Cold weather can make it challenging to exercise outdoors. However, there are many ways to stay active indoors. Patients should speak to their physicians about which exercises are more suitable for them.
Dress Warmly and Layer Up
Another of the cold weather tips for arthritis patients is to dress warmly and layer up. It’s advisable for arthritis patients to wear thermal compression gloves and add extra layers to the knees and leg areas to protect joints from the cold.
Take Warm Bath’s and Stretch
A 20-minute warm water bath can help ease pressure, swelling, and inflammation in aching joints. The ideal water temperature should be between 92-100°F.
Additionally, gentle stretches after a warm bath will help keep joints and muscles limber, longer.
Wear the Right Footwear
Walking in cold, icy conditions increases the risk of slipping or falling. Therefore, before going out, patients should make sure the shoes they are wearing offer proper stability and traction.
Keep Your Vitamin D Levels Up
Vitamin D is associated with sensitivity to pain and during the winter, it is not uncommon for individuals to develop vitamin D deficiency.
Additionally, some research have linked vitamin D deficiency with more severe RA symptoms. Patients who are prone to vitamin D deficiency should speak to their doctors about the benefits of Vitamin D supplementation.
Keep Hydrated
Even mild dehydration can increase sensitivity to pain. Therefore, anyone living with chronic pain should be mindful to stay adequately hydrated year-round.
Increase Your Omega-3 Fatty Acids Intake
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to be highly beneficial in reducing joint inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in foods such as avocados, walnuts, and fish.
Living with a chronic disease should not be a deterrent to enjoying the Holiday Season. As a leader of in-office biologic management services, Altus Infusion has seen how effective biologic therapies are in positively impacting the lives of chronic disease patients.
