Blog
Back to Blog

How to manage joint stiffness in the cooler weather

How to manage joint stiffness in the cooler weather

11th May 2018

Do you find you have joint stiffness as the weather cools down? Perhaps you feel more aches and pains as we head into winter? We delve into why that can happen and what you can do about it so you can enjoy the cooler months.

WHY IS JOINT STIFFNESS WORSE IN THE COLDER MONTHS?

The research suggests there may be a few reasons why the joint stiffness and pain is worse in the colder months. In the colder weather, our body will conserve heat by sending more of the blood in our body to the vital organs in the body (e.g. the heart), consequently less blood will be directed to the joints and muscles in our body and this may contribute to the stiffness and pain within our joints. It is also thought that when it is cold, changes in barometric pressure may cause an inflammatory response within the joints of our body. This homeostatic response could allow tissues in joints to swell and put pressure on neural pathways that control pain signals.

WHAT CONDITIONS MAY BE INFLUENCED BY THE COLDER WEATHER?

Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and fibromyalgia may be worse in the colder months. These conditions typically affect the joints within our body. General joint aches and muscle soreness may also be worse in the colder months.

TOP TIPS TO COMBAT MUSCLE STIFFNESS AND INJURIES IN THE COLDER MONTHS

  • Appropriate clothing is key. You don’t need to dress to impress, instead dress to keep the body warm!
  • Clothing items such as beanies, scarfs, and gloves are great to keep our bodies warm.
  • A proper warm-up needs to be performed before any physical activity is undertaken. This increases our heart rate and blood circulation and will prepare our body for exercise.
  • Stay active! Physical activities like swimming, gym classes, and yoga are great forms of exercise which can be performed indoors to escape the colder weather.
  • Use a heat pack over those sore and stiff joints. 20 minutes is the ideal time to aim for.
  • Having a warm bath with Epsom Salts is a great way to ease those stiff and sore joints.

WHICH WARM-UP EXERCISES SHOULD WE BE DOING?

  • Dynamic stretching (e.g. leg swings)
  • Mobility exercises (e.g. cat-camel)
  • Foam roller­­­­­ over our muscles
  • Spiky ball over our muscles
  • Gentle aerobic exercise (e.g. cross trainer)
This article is for information purposes only. Please consult your Osteopath or primary healthcare professional for further information.

BOOK ONLINE TODAY