Do you notice a distinct uptick in your joint pain during the winter months? Do you find yourself dealing with stiff, aching joints on days that are colder than normal? This increase in joint discomfort is not all in your head; there are reasons why you notice this discomfort more during cold weather.
At The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre, we’re proud to offer health and wellness advice backed by the latest science. Our goal is to empower you to take control of your own health journey. Here’s why many residents of Conroe and Woodlands, Texas, notice increased joint health symptoms when the temperature drops, as well as steps you can take to find relief.
Researchers have a number of theories about why people experience more joint pain during cold weather than they do during the rest of the year. While there is no clear consensus on the matter, it appears that a combination of factors leads to a spike in joint pain over the winter.
Barometric pressure is the measure of the weight of air. Also called atmospheric pressure, you can envision it as the weight of all of the air in the Earth’s atmosphere bearing down onto the surface of the Earth.
Higher barometric pressure causes tissues like tendons and muscles to expand. Because there is limited space within your joints, this expansion places pressure on your nerve tissue, creating new pain signals.
Cold weather can also cause constricted blood vessels. Less room means less blood can circulate, leaving your tissues lacking in oxygen and nutrients. Many people notice swelling and discomfort in their fingers, toes, and extremities due to low blood flow.
Many people only think about dehydration in relation to hot summer days, when water is lost due to sweat. But many of us walk around in a constant state of mild dehydration. That means there is less water in our joints and muscles, making it easier for us to feel pain in these areas.
Synovial fluid provides lubrication within the joints, helping joint components move freely and keeping everything functioning properly. But cold weather can cause your synovial fluid to thicken and become less viscous. This can prevent normal joint movement and increase pain levels.
While Texas can definitely see cold temperatures and even occasional snow and ice, we definitely don’t have the long, difficult winters that our northern neighbors experience. That means most of us are unaccustomed to dealing with slick surfaces, clearing ice and snow, and spending time outdoors in cold weather.
Because our bodies need to perform different tasks during the winter, we’re at risk of straining our muscles and other joint components. That’s true of any movement or activity that is not part of our normal routines.
There are some steps you can take to manage joint pain as we enter the winter months. One of the easiest changes to make is drinking more water each day. Not only can this help keep your joints more comfortable, but it can also enhance many aspects of your overall health and wellness.
It can also help to begin a new fitness routine. Incorporating simple stretching and low-impact activities like walking or biking helps keep your joints lubricated and flexible, reducing pain as well as the risk of injury. Balance training is also helpful, especially as we grow older.
If you experience significant joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, there may be more happening than simply changes in the weather. Arthritis, joint damage, and numerous inflammatory conditions can all lead to joint pain, so don’t ignore the messages your body is sending.
Consider scheduling a visit with the team at The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre to learn the cause of your joint pain and begin exploring treatment options.
