Yes, you can really feel the cold in your bones, especially if you have arthritis or other bone or joint issues. It’s not just a saying.
The biting cold can affect your joints in several ways. Cool air can cause ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissue to tighten and become stiff and achy.
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And if a storm is coming, your bones may sound an early alarm.
Changes in barometric pressure, which happen before a storm, can cause joint swelling that you feel in your bones. As the pressure outside drops, the pressure in the joint stays the same, leading to swelling. That’s why you feel it when the snow comes or temperatures plummet.
Although snowy weather and cold temperatures might come with unavoidable realities like slow traffic and the need for hot beverages, it doesn’t necessarily have to push your pain tolerance to the limit.
There are ways to keep bones and joints feeling loose and pain-free.
Although the weather and pain may be a real incentive to sit down, inactivity can make things worse. Stay up, active, and get some exercise, whether it’s indoors or out. A stretching routine can also help.
Staying on top of the weather can help you stay ahead of the game. Follow the weather using smartphone apps or the weather report, so you know when to boost activity, stretching, and other measures to reduce pain.
A warm bath before going outdoors can help your body stay warm and keep your joints loose. It may reduce the likelihood of swelling when storms hit, or temperatures drop.
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It might seem like common sense but dress warmly. Dressing in layers and having warm boots, coats, and gloves can help bones and joints stay pain-free. Warm clothes are essential if you enjoy outdoor winter walks.
Trying to include as many anti-inflammatory foods in your diet can also help. These include fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, and whole grains.
The cold really does get in your bones and joints. Being proactive can help reduce pain and swelling so you can get on with your day.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
