Cold Weather & Joint Pain:
Find Relief This Winter
Written by Matthew Farrell
Medically endorsed by Dr. Mani Kukreja
Written by Matthew Farrell
Medically endorsed by Dr. Mani Kukreja
As the seasons shift and fall’s warmth slowly gives way to the icy grip of winter, there are several changes to look forward to, like the arrival of sweater weather, the comfort of hot cocoa, and the allure of a roaring fire. Yet for some, the transition of seasons can prove challenging, as it also sometimes brings discomfort in the form of winter joint pain and other aches. If you’re someone whose joint pain coincides with weather changes, there are steps you can take to alleviate the pain and find relief until the warmer months return.
So, is it true that cold temperatures cause joint pain? Read on to learn about the correlation between cold weather and joint discomfort and how you can find relief this winter season.
Why do my joints hurt when it’s cold?
If you experience joint pain, you’re certainly not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), severe joint pain related to arthritis affects one in four adults of all ages, genders and ethnicities. Though joint pain can arise any time of the year, there are a few reasons why your joints may hurt more throughout the winter months.
We consulted with Dr. Mani Kukreja, founder and CEO of Liveagewell, who offered three primary causes for this seasonal discomfort:
Change in temperature
When the mercury dips, joint tissue, including cartilage, tendons and ligaments, tends to contract and stiffen. As a result, people often experience reduced flexibility, discomfort and pain. Additionally, cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the extremities and surrounding tissues and cartilage. The reduced blood flow to the joints can limit the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.
When a tissue does not receive sufficient blood supply and oxygenation, it can lead to discomfort and pain in the affected area. The joints can suffer further necrosis and damage due to insufficient nutrients if not addressed.
Change in barometric pressure
Barometric pressure refers to the pressure the atmosphere exerts on the Earth’s surface. When the pressure drops, often during the colder months, it affects the pressure within joints. This fluctuation in pressure causes joints to expand and contract, causing inflammation of tissues and leading to pain and discomfort.
Decrease in physical activity
As winter sets in and the allure of cozy indoor activities intensifies, many of us find ourselves embracing the warmth of our homes, perhaps indulging in prolonged couch sessions with cups of hot coffee or cocoa. While these moments of comfort are undeniably inviting, an extended period of reduced physical activity can have unintended consequences.
A decline in movement can lead to increased joint stiffness and discomfort, making it harder to enjoy the simple pleasures of everyday life.
7 tips for minimizing joint pain in cold weather
While the cold weather can make your joints stiff and painful, there are a few things you can do to minimize joint pain in the winter. Here are a few joint pain treatment tips that Dr. Mani recommends:
- Remain active — Regular exercise and staying active help improve joint flexibility and inflammation. Low-impact activities like swimming, walking and cycling help keep joints moving and strengthen the range of motion.
- Keep warm — Bundle up in warm clothes to keep your body temperature stable. Use heating pads to provide localized comfort and warmth to joints and joint fluids
- Maintain a healthy weight — Excessive weight stresses joints and causes chronic inflammation and pain. It is essential to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise to reduce joint strain.
- Stay hydrated — Drink enough water to keep joints lubricated and flexible. Aim to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
- Protect and stabilize joints — Braces and compression socks provide stability and reduce stress on joints. Avoid activities that put excessive strain on joints and use proper body mechanics when lifting or carrying heavy objects.
- Consider supplements — For some people, omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and vitamin D may help reduce joint pain and inflammation, though this will depend on the cause of the pain. Overall, these are great supplements for bone and joint health. Collagen supplements may also help reduce joint pain.
- Manage stress — Deep breathing, meditation and engaging in activities you enjoy can help reduce anxiety and help you forget about your joint pain and discomfort. Lowering stress can also help reduce inflammation and pain.
Everybody's experience with winter joint pain is different, so it's important to find strategies that work best for you. If your joint pain persists or worsens, talk to a health care professional. They can recommend personalized treatment options, including medication management if preventive measures are not effective.
Support joint health with Sparkle Wellness Joint Boost
Looking for another way to soothe your joints and increase flexibility? Dr. Mani recommends Sparkle Wellness Joint Boost, a collagen peptide powder that is clinically proven to regenerate joint cartilage, improve joint mobility, and reduce joint pain.
Joint Boost contains two key ingredients that set it apart from other collagen products: FORTIGEL and TENDOFORTE. These ingredients are specifically formulated to support joint health and may help alleviate joint pain and discomfort.
Here’s a breakdown of these two game-changing ingredients:
- FORTIGEL is a bioactive collagen peptide that has been scientifically proven to stimulate the regeneration of joint cartilage. It works by providing the necessary building blocks for cartilage formation and repair. Supplementing with FORTIGEL may help improve joint mobility and reduce joint pain.
- TENDOFORTE is a specialized collagen peptide that improves tendon and ligament health and strength. TENDOFORTE boosts the synthesis of collagen in tendons, which is essential for maintaining their strength and elasticity.
Sparkle Wellness is on a mission to empower people with healthy habits so they can thrive and reach their fullest potential. By implementing Joint Boost collagen powder into your daily wellness routine, you may experience benefits such as improved joint mobility, reduced joint pain, enhanced tendon flexibility, and better overall joint health.
Find winter joint pain relief and embrace the cold
Dealing with joint pain in the winter can be both frustrating and disruptive to your daily life. Nevertheless, there are several ways to alleviate discomfort and enhance your overall well-being during the colder months. By adhering to the aforementioned joint pain treatment tips, you may be able to mitigate pain, maintain an active lifestyle, and enjoy more of what the season has to offer.
It’s also important to recognize that individual results to these approaches may vary, and it's always advisable to consult with a health care professional if your joint pain and discomfort progress. They may recommend medical treatments for conditions like osteoarthritis, tendinitis or other conditions of the joints, tendons and cartilage.
Relief from winter joint pain is within reach. Shop Sparkle Wellness Joint Boost today.
