5 Tips for Managing Arthritis Pain in the Winter

As temperatures drop in Connecticut, you might notice that your vehicle seems to struggle more. The cold weather causes the engine oil to thicken, hampering performance.

Your joints aren’t so different. Cold can make the synovial fluid that should lubricate them less efficient. At the same time, chilly temperatures can hamper blood flow. These things can cause your arthritis symptoms to worsen in the winter.

If that’s true for you, we want to help. Whether your arthritis affects your hip, knee, or another body part, Dr. Halina Snowball offers targeted care at Integrated Pain Solutions in Stamford, Connecticut. 

Dr. Snowball and our team also want to provide some tips you can put to use this winter. Here are a handful of ways to manage arthritis pain during this cold time of year. 

#1: Keep moving

The sedentary lifestyle that often comes with the colder months contributes to joint stiffness and pain. Find ways to stay active, whether that’s joining a local gym or finding indoor places to walk, like the mall. 

#2: Keep warm

Warming up your joints can offset the negative effects of winter weather. Use a heating pad, take a hot bath, or find other ways to warm up. To prevent worsening symptoms when you venture out into the cold, make sure you wear layers. 

#3: Keep your vitamin D levels up

Research links insufficient vitamin D with worsened joint pain. Your body can create vitamin D, but only if you get some time in the sun. 

During the cold months, that’s less likely. As a result, it might help to take a vitamin D supplement in the winter. 

#4: Keep eating nutritiously 

What you eat has the power to control the level of inflammation in your body. That, in turn, helps with your arthritis symptoms. 

The holiday season tends to be an indulgent time. With the new year upon us, refocus on eating a healthy diet of whole foods. 

#5: Keep in touch with your care team

These tips can help, but they’re all general. If you have a noticeable spike in your symptoms this winter, don’t suffer your way through the season. 

Talk with Dr. Snowball about interventions. With options ranging from acupuncture to stem cell therapy, she works with you to find relief. 

For more personalized and targeted guidance to apply this January and beyond, come see Dr. Snowball. Call our team at 203-293-0549 to request an appointment or book one online today.