Do you feel more Pain in your joints when the temperature dips outside? Many people suffer from conditions like inflammatory conditions and arthritis may face greater pain in their joints as the cold weather may cause havoc to the vulnerable parts of their bodies.

If you are one of those who suffer from arthritis, you have a greater likelihood of experiencing osteoarthritis symptoms. Often the intensity of greater knee pain in the Winter season is frequently associated with barometric pressure. There is a decrease in air pressure during the winter and this drop in atmospheric pressure can result in the tissues located near your joints swell or flare upleading to increased pain.

Another probable cause if joint pain or stiff joints in the winters may happen due to the effect of heat. During winters, the tissues’ fluids get more viscous. Because of this, there is a decrease in the muscles’ elasticity leading to pains and aches in winter.

According to some scientists the feeling of a higher intensity of pain in winter is linked to a psychological thing. In winters, there is an increase in seasonal affective disorder and those who suffer from mental depression tend to go through greater pain in winters as the external weather limits outdoor activities. When people have improper diet, it can cause knee or joint pan winter as the materials may not get digested easily.

Though people feel uncomfortable due to increased join pain in winter, some of the tips mentioned below will equip you better to fight joint pain.

Intake of Balanced Diet is Essential

It is a great idea to shed those extra pounds for many reasons but more importantly because it can help to reduce stress from your joints. A balanced diet should ideally comprise of more fiber, lean proteins, refined carbohydrates and low saturated fat. Such a diet will help you in improving body functions while winters are on. It is necessary to intake foods that are easily digestible such as veggies. When you consume vegetables such as cucumbers and carrots, they can help in eliminating the waste materials from your body as they constitute of diuretic properties.

You must drink water in sufficient quantity

When you drink water in sufficient quantity all through the day, it can help in reduction of pains and aches in winter. There may be reduction in flexibility due to dehydration in your body that can also increase possibilities of injury.

Your diet should be supplemented with fish oil or vitamin D

Your intake of vitamin D goes down naturally during the winters. Vitamin D’s deficiency in your body may hurt your joints more in winter. Fish oil contains high portion of omega 3s that is helpful in reducing inflammation.

Staying active in winters can be helpful

When you are into low impact activities such as ride a stationary bike regularly, it can bring down the stiffness in your joints and improve blood flow.  Your pains and aches in winter can reduce when you do physical activity.  Activities in the low impact category such as swimming in a heated swimming pool, weight training, and aerobics can bring down the stiffness in your body and give a support to your knees. You can also try out stretching exercises that can be helpful in maintaining your mobility. Thus, arthritis in winter can be managed well through exercises.

Apply heat

Your joints can be soothed with warm water in winter. So you can take a hot water bath. Alternatively, apply a heating pad on the troubled parts of your body. But make sure that you are not keeping them for over 20 minutes at a stretch.

Cover your aching knees

When you experience pain in your knees, you should try to keep them warm by covering them with a wrap or a sleeve. You can protect your hands in winters by wearing gloves.

A massage can help

Getting a massage can help your muscles near the joints relaxed.

Use ice

Applying an ice pack on your troubled joints and knees can reduce the swelling.

Try to be safe

Icy surfaces are common in cold weather. Your joints need to be protected from getting further damaged due to falls by walking with caution wearing practical and sturdy footwear.

If your join pain still persists and do not subside even after the intake of over the counter drugs, you need to consult a physician.