Good Lifestyle

You probably live the same thingevery winter: The moment of these crispy autumn days are transformed into a country of icy winter wonders, your joints begin to be painful. Winter articular pain occurs as casters. "People often complain about an increase in articular pain during the coldest months or before a storm - especially if they suffer from common conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain or injury," saysDanielle Weis, physically therapist and orthopedic clinical specialist toPhysical therapy ahead of spring At New York.

The reasons for winter articular pain can be difficult to identify. Like Weis Notes, the "studies that exist Have unclutory and even contradictory conclusions. "It's partly because research sometimes neglects to take" psychological factors and activity levels ", does it note. Looking at the whole picture, however, gives a clearer idea of ​​cold and cold weather To your painful articulations more than usual.

There are changes in atmospheric pressure.

Winter brings all kinds of changes in the atmosphere and you can really feel it in your bones. "The tendons, muscles, bones, joints and scars are all made up of tissues of different densities that develop and contract differently for colder moisture and temperatures," Weis said. "These effects can lead to an increase in sensitivity to areas where the microtrauma-found in new or old injuries existed."

In fact, a 2019 study published in the journalPlos a found that the lower barometric pressure - which is what we live in the winter - is associated with an increase in the intensity of pain and the inconvenience. And a 2007 study published in theAmerican Journal of Medicine Also shown that changes in barometric and temperature pressure affect the severity of pain in those with knee osteoarthritis.

Your joints are not properly lubricated.

Our joints - including hips, knees, feet, ankles, hands and shoulders - contain synovial fluid, which "lubricates the joints and helps to allow a smooth movement," says Weis. When time changes,then can this fluid. "Low temperatures and moisture can make this joint fluid more viscous, which can make the joints more raventive, increase friction during movement and make them more sensitive to stress," she explains.

You are stronger, anxious and depressed.

When you are stressed, your body becomes more tense - and this increase in voltage can cause joint pain, depending on theSchool of Medicine at the University of Washington. Considering winter is theMost stressful time of the year With an increase in family time (and heated dinner discussions), financial struggles and try to maintain personal work-life balance, it is not surprising of flared anxiety and articular pain with it.

This is particularly true for those who have a chronic disease, such as arthritis, according to theFoundation of arthritis. And this daily pain you encounter is both physically and mentally, which can encourage depression. Naturally, you can feel stuck in a pain loop that can be very difficult to escape.

What can you do with winter articular pain?

If there is a way to get relief from any joint pain you encounter during the cold, it's a movement. "If you are stuck in a position for long periods of time, whether sitting, lying down or even standing, your joints will stiffe," Weis said.

At first, the movement could be a little uncomfortable or painful, but it's totally normal. It will go better with time. »Take it slowly. Do not skip and do not move as fast as you can. Instead, make slow movements, such as folding and adjusting the knees and elbows, the opening of the shoulders / ankles / wrist, opening and closing hands and the standing steps, "says Weis. "Once your body adapts to the move, the initial discomfort should soon improve and you can be on your way. If it does not improve, continue to take it slow and do not grow in pain. "

You can also take more hot showers or use heated blanket, helping to mitigate discomfort. And stretching regularly can make your joints well, too. If you stay active and flexible, you and your joints will be in a better place this winter.