How to reduce joint pain when the weather turns cold

What are the symptoms of joint pain in cold weather?

Master - Doctor Quach Khang Hy, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that when the weather is cold, many people have symptoms of bone and joint pain, including swelling, redness, stiffness in the morning or at night, and difficulty moving.

There are 4 joint positions that often ache the most in cold weather with the following specific symptoms:

Knee joint: Knee swelling, pain, limited movement, may make a cracking or rustling sound when moving.

Hip joint : Painful, aching sensation in the hip joint when moving, turning or standing up or sitting down.

Foot joints : Pain, burning in the sole of the foot, near the heel, stiffness and difficulty walking.

Lumbar spine pain: Pain in the lower back, numbness, discomfort at night, can spread to the hips and pelvis, causing numbness and loss of sensation in the legs.

Bác sĩ chia sẻ cách giảm đau nhức xương khớp khi trời trở lạnh - Ảnh 1. — Knee swelling, pain, limited mobility, may make a crunching or crackling sound when moving

Why does cold weather cause joint pain?

Cold weather causes tendons to contract, and joint fluid to thicken more than usual. At the same time, less movement causes poor blood circulation, reducing blood supply to the joints, causing damage to cartilage and synovial membrane.

"In addition, air pressure in cold weather also disrupts circulation, joint fluid, blood vessels and blood viscosity, causing joint pain and difficulty moving. In particular, the elderly and people with chronic joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are also susceptible to joint pain in cold weather," Dr. Khang Hy analyzed.

Who is susceptible to joint pain in cold weather?

According to Dr. Khang Hy, the elderly, middle-aged people and people with a history of bone and joint diseases often experience joint pain in cold weather. They feel pain, discomfort and limited mobility. If not treated promptly, it can cause serious complications such as joint adhesion, joint deformity or loss of motor function.

Therefore, when detecting symptoms of bone and joint pain in cold weather, it is necessary to find a way to overcome it to prevent the disease from progressing further.

How to treat joint pain in cold weather

To reduce joint pain in cold weather, you can apply the following methods:

Lifestyle changes : Increase physical activity, eat healthy, and maintain a balanced indoor temperature.

Apply hot and cold therapy: Apply hot or cold compresses to the painful area to relieve pain and relax muscles.

Consult a specialist : If symptoms do not improve after self-treatment, seek medical advice for more effective treatment. Medication should be used as directed by your doctor to reduce pain and inflammation. Do not use painkillers without a doctor's prescription.

"To avoid infection and damage to bones and joints, we can apply heat therapy by keeping the body warm and taking hot baths. At the same time, applying heat to painful joints can also help relieve pain," Dr. Khang Hy shared.

Eating a nutritious diet and avoiding being overweight or obese can also help reduce stress on your joints. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements as prescribed by your doctor is also important.

Exercise such as swimming, walking, cycling, yoga, etc. also helps improve joint function and reduce pain.

Drinking enough water is also important to avoid dehydration, which can cause blood problems and affect the joints.

Gentle exercise helps strengthen bones and joints

Dr. Tran Thi Phuong Thao, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, said that in addition to proper nutrition, gentle physical activities will help strengthen bone and joint health. Many people are afraid that exercise will cause pain, so they do not dare to move, making their joints even stiffer.

You can practice properly to improve joint function by massaging and using therapeutic methods. Every day, you should spend some time doing gentle exercise that suits your interests, such as yoga or walking, tai chi, cycling... Gentle exercise helps joints to be less stiff and comfortable, reduces pain, and improves mobility.

Source link