Many of us experience pain in our joints as winter begins. Winter can be challenging for those who have arthritis. In winter, reduced barometric pressure results in pain and inflammation in barometric pressure chambers. Arthritis is of two types – Inflammatory and Non-inflammatory. People with inflammatory arthritis contain inflammatory white blood cells. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and lupus arthritis fall under this category. While osteoarthritis, thyroid-related arthritis disease comes under Non-inflammatory types of arthritis. Low-temperature weather impacts both kinds of arthritis. 

Managing arthritis in winter is quite a challenge and can degrade the quality of life of patients. Here are some tips that will help you to manage arthritis effectively.

Eat the right food – Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis need to stay away from rich and sugary foods. These foods are not only bad for this condition but also raise the risk of other health problems like osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Refrain from having bad eating choices like processed meats, oily foods, sugary products, and sour foods.

Cover your joints – Keep your joints warm by layering or covering up. In winter, put on as many layers to stay warm and cozy, especially to protect your joints. Take out clothes in case it gets too warm. But try to stay in a warm environment.

Stay hydrated – The pain and aches get worse with dehydration. One of the key components in managing arthritis is staying hydrated. Adequate water content in the body facilitates the removal of toxins from the body. In addition to this, drinking sufficient water reduces the amount of friction in the joints, making it easier for persons with arthritis to make movements. 

Take medication – Early diagnosis can prevent many serious complications at a later stage. Timely diagnosis and initiation of the right treatment at the right time can prevent the condition from getting worsening. Take proper medical counsel, take your medicines on time if prescribed any, and follow all dos and don’ts, which will help you manage the condition efficiently. 

Stay active – Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for arthritis management. And healthy weight can be maintained by healthy eating and engaging in some physical exercise. Being overweight puts extra pressure on your spine, bones, hips, and knees and increases the chance of wear and tear. So, avoid being obese.

Get quality sleep – Your body gets benefited greatly from a good quality night’s sleep. Poor sleeping habits have their own consequences. The body restores and rejuvenates while we sleep. Improper or insufficient sleep has been associated with depression, fatigue, exhaustion, pain, and aches. Try to get at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep. 

These tips will help you manage the condition of arthritis effectively be it any weather. 

(Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.)