As winter sets it, here’s how you can prevent joint pain

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The winter season is upon us! While this time of the year witnesses many celebrations and is generally characterised by the holiday cheer, it can also exacerbate certain health conditions like joint pain. Experiencing pain and discomfort in the bones and joints is common during winters, especially for those suffering from arthritis.

"The cold weather during the winter is to be blamed for this extreme pain in your joints. It can cause stiffness in the joints making it difficult to move around freely. People can experience pain and discomfort in various areas such as knees, elbows or wrists," informs Dr Girish Bhalerao, Super Specialty Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital Mira Road.

"The sudden drop in the temperature can reduce the blood flow to your joints, making them more sensitive to pain," he adds.

Warning signs to look out for

One can experience a range of symptoms. These include stiffness in the joints, swelling, unbearable pain in the joints and reduced range of motion.

Tips to prevent joint pain during the winter

Joint pain can affect day-to-day functioning of an individual. Hence, it becomes important to take proactive steps to prevent join pain and take care of your health. Dr Bhalerao suggests the following:

Stay warm: The coldness in the environment during winter can make your joints stiff, making it a painful experience. Individuals are advised to wear warm clothes that can help keep joints warm and cozy. You can even use heating pads or take warm baths to soothe your joints. But make sure the water isn't too hot as it can be harmful to your skin.

Exercise regularly: Maintaining an exercise routine during the winter season can be helpful. You can indulge in a range of physical activities and exercises like stretching, running, jogging, cycling, dancing, yoga, meditation, cardio and hitting the gym. This can help keep your joints flexible while improving blood circulation.

Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put extreme pressure on your joints, especially in areas like knees, hips and lower back. This can be painful and overwhelming. Maintaining a healthy weight can not only be beneficial in keeping you fit but also strengthen your joints. A combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise can help keep your weight in check.

Eat anti-Inflammatory foods: The key to preventing joint pain during winter is to eat well-balanced meals. Your daily meals should include foods like spinach, broccoli and sweet potatoes, along with spices like turmeric, ginger and garlic. You can make a variety of dishes with these ingredients such as soups, broths and stews that can not only help strengthen your joints but also keep you warm during this season.

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