5 Ways to Manage Arthritis Pain in Winter

Are you dreading winter because it seems to intensify your arthritis pain? You’re not alone. Many people notice that their symptoms worsen when the weather turns cold and damp. 

Temperature changes can make your joints feel stiffer, muscles tighter, and everyday movements more uncomfortable. While winter may amplify your arthritis pain, you don’t have to suffer through the season.

Here, our pain specialists at Alliance Spine & Pain Centers share their top tips for managing arthritis pain in winter.  

1. Dress for the weather

Cold temperatures can stiffen joints and tighten muscles, so keeping your body warm helps your joints stay loose and comfortable. Dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing as the temperature changes throughout the day. 

When heading outside, wear gloves, socks, and protective clothing to retain heat. Indoors, try heating pads, warm baths, or hot showers to soothe stiffness. Keeping the indoor temperature comfortable may also reduce flare-ups.

2. Keep moving

It may feel counterintuitive to exercise when your arthritis flares, but movement is one of the most effective ways to reduce pain. Physical activity keeps the joints flexible, strengthens the supportive muscles, and improves circulation so your joints and surrounding tissues get the oxygen and nutrients necessary to stay healthy. 

Choose joint-friendly indoor activities like yoga, mall walking, or riding a stationary bike. Remember to stretch before and after exercise to improve flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.

3. Stay hydrated

You may not sweat as much in winter, but dehydration is still an issue due to dry air and reduced thirst. Staying hydrated is good for your joints, providing much-needed moisture to help reduce stiffness and discomfort

Most adults need 11-16 cups of water a day, but needs vary depending on age, health, and activity. Set a daily water goal, and track your intake to make sure you’re getting enough. Carry a water bottle to make sipping throughout the day easier.

4. Manage stress 

Stress and fatigue are common in winter, which can worsen arthritis pain. Incorporate stress-relieving activities into your routine, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle stretching. Regular exercise is also a powerful stress reducer.

Fatigue can also amplify your stress, so prioritize sleep. Stick to a consistent bedtime and choose comfortable sleepwear that keeps you warm throughout the night.

5. Know when to get help 

If your arthritis pain interferes with your daily life and at-home strategies aren’t enough, it’s time to seek help from the experts. Our board-certified pain specialists take a holistic and personalized approach to care, creating individualized plans to help you achieve maximum relief.

We can adjust your current plan and provide innovative treatments for arthritis pain, including hyaluronic injections and corticosteroid injections.

Don’t let your arthritis keep you from doing what you love this winter. Let us help you get relief from your pain. Call Alliance Spine & Pain Centers today or request an appointment online at the location most convenient to you. 

As the largest interventional pain practice in the Southeast, we have offices in Augusta, Austell, Brookhaven, Canton, Carrollton, Cartersville, Conyers, Covington, Dallas, Dawsonville, Douglasville, Jasper, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Peachtree City, Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Suwanee, and Woodstock, Georgia.