Joint pain increases in winter, so know the methods of treatment along with the reason
Winter is a tough time for people suffering from arthritis and joint problems. Chronic injuries and joint pain also start raising their heads at this time. Before the joints start hurting more, let’s know what improvements are necessary for the lifestyle-
Arthritis is usually the leading cause of joint pain. Due to the cold, the arteries of the joints constrict. Due to the narrowing of the arteries, the temperature of the blood in the joints decreases and the process of blood circulation does not work correctly. As a result, the joints become stiff and painful. Muscle cramps also increase in cold temperatures. The pain problems get aggravated due to a lack of proper blood circulation to the joints.
These people are at high risk of Joint pain
For those who already have arthritis, their problems increase much more in the cold. Although there are many types of arthritis, people who suffer from Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gouty Arthritis, Traumatic Arthritis, and Spinal Arthritis start suffering from pain and swelling right from the onset of a cold. The pain also increases in children suffering from Juvenile Arthritis. Apart from this, if bones and ligaments etc., have been damaged in an accident in the past, then even in that case, the pain in the affected part increases in this season. Earlier, joint problems were seen only after fifty, but now the pain and swelling issues are also targeting young people. The main reasons for this are unhealthy lifestyles and eating disorders.
Having osteoarthritis
Most of the people in the country suffer from Osteoarthritis (OA). Cartilage in the middle of the joints (which acts as a cushion between the joints) starts to wear out due to increasing age, especially after the age of 50, due to the wrong lifestyle. Due to this, the joints rub against each other and gradually weaken over time. There comes a situation when a person starts feeling difficulty walking and climbing stairs. OA mainly affects the knee joints.
Prevention
People suffering from OA should see their orthopaedic surgeon at the onset of a cold. Apart from medicines, physiotherapy and exercise, a nutritious diet should be taken. Especially adequate amount of calcium should be taken. Wear a knee cap. If there is unbearable pain, the specialist can recommend pain relief medicines and injections.
Be aware of rheumatoid arthritis
This is a particular type of arthritis, the causes of which are still under medical research. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has nothing to do with ageing, cartilage loss, or diet. In RA, the body’s immune system fights against its own body. The first attack occurs on the membranes of the joint.
Prevention
If RA is not treated in time, it becomes difficult to perform normal daily activities. The affected bones and joints begin to weaken, and there is severe pain. Physiotherapy, yoga and exercise also provide some relief. This arthritis is not entirely cured, but it can be stopped from progressing with proper management. Doctors give painkillers. Immunomodulators are given to correct the disturbances in the immune system. In many people, the affected joints begin to swell at the very beginning of a cold. In this case, keep in touch with the doctor beforehand. Follow dietary guidelines.
Do not take steroids by yourself
Doctors sometimes recommend injections of intra-articular corticosteroids to reduce joint pain. They have both advantages and disadvantages. In case of severe pain and crooked joints, doctors can give injections and steroids but take them only under the supervision of a qualified doctor. Once you have rested, do not self-medicate the next time you have pain. Never treat yourself.
Pay special attention in the cold
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Less water further aggravates the problem of joint pain. It also has an effect on blood circulation. Despite the cold, pay attention to the intake of water and fluids.
Consult a specialist: Consult an orthopaedic specialist to improve symptoms such as stiffness in the joints and muscle weakness. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, go to a good rheumatologist and get treatment.
Omega-3 fatty acids: This acid is beneficial in reducing inflammation in the joints. Eat avocado, flaxseed, walnuts and fish. Dried fruits can also be eaten in large quantities in winter.
Morning Sun: Sunshine is an excellent natural source of Vitamin D. Sitting in the sun relieves joint pain and swelling. It is also beneficial in back pain.
Home remedies will also give relief to Joint pain
Applying hot and cold water bandages on the affected joints provides relief in joint pain. Wrapping ice in a cloth and compressing it is also beneficial in swelling.
Ginger has ingredients that reduce pain and inflammation. Ginger oil can also be used.
Massage with sesame oil regularly
The curcumin element present in turmeric reduces inflammation of the joints. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric with half a teaspoon of ground ginger. Boil this mixture in a cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Apply it on the affected joints two to three times a day. Similarly, turmeric, fenugreek and dry ginger mix these three in equal quantities (20-20 grams) and make their powder. Take one spoonful of this mixture twice a day with warm water after meals. This will give you relief from joint pain.
Tulsi is considered beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis. It also gives relief to joint pain.
Vitamin C is found in sufficient quantity in lemon, amla and papaya. Vitamin C strengthens the body’s immune system.
Eat broccoli. Avoid refined flour and things made from it. Avoid sugar, sweets, eggs, non-vegetarian and cold things. Do not eat urad dal, kidney beans, chickpeas, cabbage, fried foods, etc.
Covid and joint pain
In people who have been infected with the coronavirus, cases of joint, bone and back pain have been reported after recovery. In particular, people put on life-saving equipment after being severely affected by a lung infection have been found to have persistent joint pain even after recovery. People who have recovered from Covid should pay particular attention to this cold in such a situation. If you have common problems, you should consult a doctor.
The joint pain problem is also seen in the cases of the new variant Omicron of Corona that has come to the fore in foreign countries.
Take care of knees like this
don’t wear high heels
Wearing high-heeled shoes or slippers does not keep the waist straight and puts stress on the ankles, knees, calves and hips. The risk of getting injured is also higher. Even a little sprain or injury in the cold takes longer to heal. Wear flat shoes of the correct size.
Control obesity
Obesity is measured by body mass index (BMI). In this, the ratio of length and weight is seen. Obesity has a more significant effect on the joints of the feet and knees. This is because the higher the weight, the greater its load on the feet and knees will be. This causes the cartilage of the joints to wear down. The problem of gout may increase.
Take care of the correct posture
Not keeping the spine in the correct posture can cause back pain over time, and this problem gets aggravated in the winter season. Walking with the shoulders bent or working with the waist belt to one side aggravates the pain. Follow these things to avoid pain:
If there is a problem with spine or neck pain, then follow the advice of the spine surgeon. They may recommend wearing a lumbar belt or cervical collar.
Do the exercises as prescribed by the orthopaedic surgeon or physio-therapist.
Do not talk while lying down, do not watch TV. Work sitting up straight.
Wear well-fitting woollen clothes. Protect joints from cold air.
Don’t walk with your shoulders down.
Do not lift weights jerkily.
Exercise only after warm-up. Being physically active is very important when you have joint problems. Maintain a routine of walking and jogging even in the cold.
Get up for five minutes from your seat in the office after one and a half hours. Walk around. Stretch the body.
Knee pain will get relief
Do exercises related to knees and feet as prescribed by experts.
Surya Namaskar, Halasana and Trikonasana are beneficial for knees and other joints. Do these only after consulting a yoga expert.
Wearing sports shoes provides relief to the joints of the knees and feet.
Wearing high heel shoes and sandals puts unnecessary stress on the knees.
Sleep with a pillow under the feet. It helps in proper blood circulation.
You may also be advised to wear special stockings.
Adopt Panchakarma therapy
Ayurveda, naturopathy and home or traditional medicine are included under alternative medicine. Under Panchakarma therapy, snehana (a particular type of massage with Ayurvedic oils), swedana (steaming and compressing), potli massage and herbal pastes are applied. Ayurvedic doctors also give medicines. Taking Panchakarma therapy as advised in winter keeps the joints active.
