Cold weather often triggers joint discomfort, a phenomenon familiar to many. Dr. Ganesh Navaneethan, an esteemed Orthopedic doctor, highlights several reasons behind this occurrence:
- Thickened Joint Fluid: The drop in temperature can cause synovial fluid to thicken, hindering joint movement.
- Barometric Pressure Changes: Decreased pressure in colder weather may expand joint tissues, leading to discomfort.
- Increased Nerve Sensitivity: Past joint injuries or inflammation may make nerves more sensitive to the cold, resulting in joint pain.
- High Humidity Impact: Cold coupled with high humidity might impact bone and cartilage cells, exacerbating joint discomfort.
- Reduced Activity: Cold months often entail reduced physical activity, potentially worsening joint issues due to inactivity.
Dr. Navaneethan suggests remedies to alleviate joint pain during colder periods:
- Warm-Up Exercises: Incorporate five-minute warm-up stretches to enhance blood flow and muscle flexibility.
- Layer Dressing: Cover extremities to maintain healthy circulation and joint comfort.
- Avoid Abrupt Stops: Keep moving post-exercise to prevent joint stiffness.
- Proper Cool-Down: Engage in stretching or light exercise post-activity to reduce muscle tightness.
- Indoor Exercise: Opt for indoor workouts during extreme cold spells to avoid joint discomfort.
For relief, adjusting clothing in chilly workplaces, warming up post-return home, and opting for indoor activities during harsh weather can significantly alleviate joint discomfort. For further orthopedic advice, refer to their page.
To know more in detail, visit: https://www.drganeshnavaneedhan.com/blog/will-joint-pain-be-worsened-by-the-cold/