- Health advice
- Jul 30, 2017
Reducing pain and inflammation in joints in cold weather is a must for arthritis sufferers. Everyone experiences pain differently; even two people with osteoarthritis may have completely different symptoms, range of mobility and factors that can make it better or worse. Reducing pain and inflammation over winter, while working to improve and protect your existing joint health, will help you to actively participate in everyday activities, leaving you pain-free and happier.
Joint pain
You have over 230 moveable and semi-moveable joints in your body, comprising mainly cartilage, bones, tendons, muscles and ligaments. Joint pain typically involves deterioration of cartilage which normally helps to protect the joint and the end of the bones; the once smooth cartilage becomes uneven, causing friction and pitting of the bones. Tendons, ligaments and muscles surrounding the joint weaken and the joint becomes distorted, inflamed, painful and stiff. Cold, winter weather seems to amplify the symptoms of osteoarthritis by constricting tissues, placing more pressure on joints and nerves, leading to greater pain levels, inflammation and stiffness.Joint inflammation
- Acute inflammation is immediate; necessary for the healing process to begin and usually resolves very quickly
- Chronic inflammation on the other hand, can last for several years, leading to destruction of tissue and thickening and scarring of connective tissues found in joints