Arthritis and Cold Winter Weather – How to Minimise the Effects and Stay Pain Free this Winter

For those suffering from arthritis, it’s well known that the cold weather brings added discomfort, stiffness and joint pain – but what you might not expect is that the cold itself is only part of the reason why people feel this way in winter.

Arthritis and Cold Winter Weather – How to Minimise the Effects and Stay Pain Free this Winter

Arthritis and Cold Winter Weather – How to Minimise the Effects and Stay Pain Free this Winter

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Time to Read: 5 Minutes

Level: Entry to Intermediate

Key Points:

  • Why the cold makes you feel worse
  • What you can do about it
  • Tips from arthritis sufferers
  • Diet and Lifestyle
  • The effects of infrared technology on arthritis

Winter is notoriously a time for being ‘under the weather' and every year the same colds, flus and sniffles go round. But the weather can impact much more of your body and your day-to-day function when you suffer from a condition like arthritis.

For those suffering from arthritis, it's well known that the cold weather brings added discomfort, stiffness and joint pain – but what you might not expect is that the cold itself is only part of the reason why people feel this way in winter.

Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling and pain in the joints, and according to the NHS it affects as many as 10 million people in the UK and affects people at all ages – not just the older population. (1) There are many different types of arthritis, all with various differing causes, symptoms and treatments – but one thing they all have in common is that they cause this painful swelling in the joints.

So why do I feel worse when it's cold?

Studies into arthritis and cold weather have reported that low temperature, high atmospheric pressure and high humidity are all correlated with pain in rheumatoid arthritis (2). Studies show that the change in barometric pressure is the main culprit of

In fact, studies are showing that the change in the barometric pressure is truly the culprit to joint discomfort. Sudden drops in the barometric pressure can cause our joints to swell, placing more pressure on the nerves that control our pain centers. The more swelling you have, the more aches and pains you feel. (3)

One study found that groups more likely to report the weather influencing their health include woman and people with anxiety, with the possible explanations for this being that poor mood might increase subjective complaints of pain. (4) This same study also highlights that the weather difference is more keenly felt by arthritics in southern Europe, where the climate's more Mediterranean and the difference between winter and summer weather is more drastic.

What can I do about it?

First off, it's important to do your best to keep on top of any and all treatments you've been prescribed and recommended by your doctor – especially before undertaking any physical activity. Whether it's medication, physiotherapy or lifestyle you have self-management techniques you use to keep the swelling or the pain at a manageable level, you should also take extra care to continue these techniques and get into a consistent management routine.

If you're looking for more information on specific pain management techniques, we've got some great articles on how best to manage arthritic pain:

Natural Arthritis Pain Relief, Management & Treatment (Part 1)

Natural Arthritis Pain Relief, Management & Treatment (Part 2)

Recommendations from arthritis sufferers include:

    Wrapping up warm Layering up on clothing, especially with gloves and socks Using hot water bottles and blanket for added warmth at home Consuming plenty of hot beverages and hot foods Electric blankets for night time Heat packs Deep tissue massages Vitamin D supplements Making adjustments to your daily routine and home to prevent overstraining and risk of injury

For more tips like these and general arthritis advice, we recommend you visit the Versus Arthritis website.

Diet, Lifestyle & Weight Management

This is one of the first things your doctor might check for and recommend when you get diagnosed with arthritis. Getting a good, balanced diet is important when managing any long-term health condition, and with arthritis it's especially important that the joints aren't being put under additional stress by excess body weight.

Exercise is another lifestyle area your doctor will recommend you take closer care with, and the right kind of exercise will boost your endorphins, manage your weight and help with your overall immune health. Although it seems counterintuitive when you're in pain, a regular routine of the right kind of exercise at the right intensity for your needs will can reduce stiffness, improve flexibility and range of motion, combat fatigue and build muscular strength.

The key thing to remember with lifestyle adjustments is to set achievable goals and to be consistent with the habits you do decide to take on.

Infared Technology

Infrared technology is one of the most effective ways to combat the symptoms of arthritis, and it's also one of the easiest methods to incorporate into your daily routine. Infrared technology like that in our entire product line will work with your body to produce biological effects such as:

    Pain relief Inflammation reduction Thermoregulation Boosted circulation, especially to the extremities Decreased stiffness of muscles and joints

Our unique fabric will also retain heat for 63% longer than fabrics of an equivalent weight, so infrared is a winter staple you'll rely on for warmth and all the other amazing benefits.

To find out more about the insulating and thermoregulating properties of infrared, check out our deep dive on thermoregulation and the effects of infrared in the winter here.

We've got countless testimonials from customers suffering with arthritis, and all claims made on our site are clinically backed up:

ARTHRITIC AND INFRAPATELLA PAIN

"I got these after seeing the guys at a New Scientist stand and learning about the technology behind it, I thought I'd take a punt. My joint problems mean I can't do much activity beyond boring and painful physio but I had used some infrared treatments for my pain in the past which helped somewhat. I now wear these all day and it helps no end. I can walk further in these than without them as they dull the pain in my knees. I didn't notice at first how much it was helping until I didn't wear them for a couple of days - ouch. They dry super fast and so far they haven't worn out from all the wearing and washing I have done."

- Georgina Satchel

References

(1) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/arthritis/

(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6122079/?tool=pmcentrez&report=abstract

(3) https://www.parkview.com/community/dashboard/how-does-cold-weather-affect-arthritis#:~:text=It's%20long%20been%20a%20belief,the%20culprit%20to%20joint%20discomfort .

Azzouzi, H., & Ichchou, L. (2020). Seasonal and weather effects on rheumatoid arthritis: Myth or reality? Pain Research & Management : The Journal of the Canadian Pain Society, 2020 doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2020/5763080

Fernandes, Elizabeth S et al. "Environmental cold exposure increases blood flow and affects pain sensitivity in the knee joints of CFA-induced arthritic mice in a TRPA1-dependent manner." Arthritis research & therapy vol. 18 7. 11 Jan. 2016, doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0905-x

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But the weather can impact much more of your body and your day-to-day function when you suffer from a condition like arthritis. \n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n \nFor those suffering from arthritis, it’s well known that the cold weather brings added discomfort, stiffness and joint pain – but what you might not expect is that the cold itself is only part of the reason why people feel this way in winter. \nArthritis is a condition that causes swelling and pain in the joints, and according to the NHS it affects as many as 10 million people in the UK and affects people at all ages – not just the older population. (1) There are many different types of arthritis, all with various differing causes, symptoms and treatments – but one thing they all have in common is that they cause this painful swelling in the joints. \nSo why do I feel worse when it’s cold? \nStudies into arthritis and cold weather have reported that low temperature, high atmospheric pressure and high humidity are all correlated with pain in rheumatoid arthritis (2). Studies show that the change in barometric pressure is the main culprit of \nIn fact, studies are showing that the change in the barometric pressure is truly the culprit to joint discomfort. Sudden drops in the barometric pressure can cause our joints to swell, placing more pressure on the nerves that control our pain centers. The more swelling you have, the more aches and pains you feel. (3) \nOne study found that groups more likely to report the weather influencing their health include woman and people with anxiety, with the possible explanations for this being that poor mood might increase subjective complaints of pain. (4) This same study also highlights that the weather difference is more keenly felt by arthritics in southern Europe, where the climate’s more Mediterranean and the difference between winter and summer weather is more drastic. \nWhat can I do about it? \nFirst off, it’s important to do your best to keep on top of any and all treatments you’ve been prescribed and recommended by your doctor – especially before undertaking any physical activity. Whether it’s medication, physiotherapy or lifestyle you have self-management techniques you use to keep the swelling or the pain at a manageable level, you should also take extra care to continue these techniques and get into a consistent management routine. \nIf you’re looking for more information on specific pain management techniques, we’ve got some great articles on how best to manage arthritic pain: \nNatural Arthritis Pain Relief, Management \u0026amp; Treatment (Part 1) \nNatural Arthritis Pain Relief, Management \u0026amp; Treatment (Part 2) \nRecommendations from arthritis sufferers include: \n\n\nWrapping up warm \n\n\nLayering up on clothing, especially with gloves and socks \n\n\nUsing hot water bottles and blanket for added warmth at home \n\n\nConsuming plenty of hot beverages and hot foods \n\n\nElectric blankets for night time \n\n\nHeat packs \n\n\nDeep tissue massages \n\n\nVitamin D supplements \n\n\nMaking adjustments to your daily routine and home to prevent overstraining and risk of injury \n\n\nFor more tips like these and general arthritis advice, we recommend you visit the Versus Arthritis website. \nDiet, Lifestyle \u0026amp; Weight Management \nThis is one of the first things your doctor might check for and recommend when you get diagnosed with arthritis. Getting a good, balanced diet is important when managing any long-term health condition, and with arthritis it’s especially important that the joints aren’t being put under additional stress by excess body weight. \nExercise is another lifestyle area your doctor will recommend you take closer care with, and the right kind of exercise will boost your endorphins, manage your weight and help with your overall immune health. Although it seems counterintuitive when you’re in pain, a regular routine of the right kind of exercise at the right intensity for your needs will can reduce stiffness, improve flexibility and range of motion, combat fatigue and build muscular strength. \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \nThe key thing to remember with lifestyle adjustments is to set achievable goals and to be consistent with the habits you do decide to take on. \nInfared Technology \nInfrared technology is one of the most effective ways to combat the symptoms of arthritis, and it’s also one of the easiest methods to incorporate into your daily routine. Infrared technology like that in our entire product line will work with your body to produce biological effects such as: \n\n\nPain relief \n\n\nInflammation reduction \n\n\nThermoregulation \n\n\nBoosted circulation, especially to the extremities \n\n\nDecreased stiffness of muscles and joints \n\n\nOur unique fabric will also retain heat for 63% longer than fabrics of an equivalent weight, so infrared is a winter staple you’ll rely on for warmth and all the other amazing benefits. \nTo find out more about the insulating and thermoregulating properties of infrared, check out our deep dive on thermoregulation and the effects of infrared in the winter here.\nWe’ve got countless testimonials from customers suffering with arthritis, and all claims made on our site are clinically backed up: \n\n\n\n\n\n \nARTHRITIC AND INFRAPATELLA PAIN \n“I got these after seeing the guys at a New Scientist stand and learning about the technology behind it, I thought I'd take a punt. My joint problems mean I can't do much activity beyond boring and painful physio but I had used some infrared treatments for my pain in the past which helped somewhat. I now wear these all day and it helps no end. I can walk further in these than without them as they dull the pain in my knees. I didn't notice at first how much it was helping until I didn't wear them for a couple of days - ouch. They dry super fast and so far they haven't worn out from all the wearing and washing I have done.”\n - Georgina Satchel \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n References\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n(1) https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/arthritis\/ \n(2) https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6122079\/?tool=pmcentrez\u0026amp;report=abstract \n(3) https:\/\/www.parkview.com\/community\/dashboard\/how-does-cold-weather-affect-arthritis#:~:text=It's%20long%20been%20a%20belief,the%20culprit%20to%20joint%20discomfort. \nAzzouzi, H., \u0026amp; Ichchou, L. (2020). 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