Winters are surely a difficult time for people suffering from arthritis. Not only does joint pain worsen during the cold winter months, patients also experience more joint stiffness and reduced range of motion. Proper health care, diet and lifestyle measures can together help arthritis patients deal with worsening symptoms of arthritis.
Maintain optimum weight - An effective way to deal with arthritis pain is by keeping yourself active and maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise regularly in order to be at a normal BMI. Exercise will keep you warm and prevent the worsening of arthritis symptoms.
Keep yourself warm - Dressing up appropriately by covering yourself top to bottom with proper layers, can help you keep warm and reduce devastating joint pain. Wear caps and extra layers on your knees and legs to keep them warm and protected. Keeping yourself warm can protect you from worsening arthritis symptoms.
Warm baths - There is nothing more comforting than a warm bath in winter. Warm baths can provide relief to arthritis patients. Warm baths can relax your muscles and help you feel calm. Cover yourself properly before you come out of the bathroom. Just don't step directly in the cold after taking a bath.
Stay hydrated - Drinking sufficient water can prevent muscle cramps, keep your immunity in check and also prevent the incidence of diseases. Drinking water from time to time can help you be more active.
Sun exposure for vitamin D - Low levels of Vitamin D in the body can make you more sensitive to pain, especially in winter. Vitamin D deficiency also puts you at risk of osteoporosis. It is recommended to spend some time under the sun. Anything from 15 minutes to half an hour can help your body synthesize some amount of the sun vitamin. Besides exposure to the sun, include Vitamin D-rich foods like eggs, mushrooms, fatty fish, milk and milk products in your diet.