Doctors share that as winter sets in, cases of joint pains and muscle stiffness increase. Exposure to sunlight, taking a warm shower before bed and keeping yourself hydrated are some ways to relieve the pain.
By Daphne Clarance: While winter brings respite from the hot months, it also gives rise to several health issues for the geriatric population. Doctors share that at the onset of the cold months, cases of joint pains and muscle spasm increase, especially among the elderly who suffer from chronic pain.
Dr Rohit Chakor, Consultant Orthopaedic Joint Replacement and Arthroscopy Surgeon, Apollo Clinic, Pune, told IndiaToday.in that most of the geriatric population "feel aggravated joint pain and stiffness in this season.
This includes feeling pain in the old injuries and operated sites too. Reportedly, there has been a steady rise in patients with such complaints. Due to the change in the temperature and cold weather, there is a lot of stiffness in the muscles and lining of the joints, also called joint capsules," said Dr Chakor.
During this time, there is less blood supply to the other adjoining areas of the body as well. When this happens, the person feels discomfort and pain moving the highly mobile joints such as knees, hips and fingers.
According to Dr Raghavendra Ramanjulu, Lead Consultant, Palliative Medicine & Rehabilitation, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, this concern happens due to the thickening of the fluids in the body. "Joint fluids are thickening at that point of time and muscles go into spasm," he told IndiaToday.in.
Dr Ramanjulu further added that muscle pain could also lead to a lot of friction resulting in shivering. "An inflammatory mediator is formed that can lead to issues and concerns of muscle pain, muscle ache and low-grade inflammation, further leading to joint friction. Generally, in winter, most of the chronic pain will definitely increase," said Dr Ramanjulu.
1. HYDRATION
It is important to keep yourself hydrated. Most people don't drink enough water in the cold season and thus, end up experiencing joint pains and muscle spasms. Drinking lots of fluids ensures the proper functioning of the joints and muscles.
2. SUNLIGHT
Most people experience this kind of pain due to limited exposure to sunlight. "There is less flexibility in the muscles or ligaments which, when moved, cause a lot of fatigue and muscle soreness, leading to pain in the movements," said Dr Chakor.
Dr Ramanjulu advised that one must expose themselves to sunlight during the day whenever possible as it eliminates "stiffness."
3. LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Some lifestyle changes like taking a hot shower before going to bed can keep people warm. Dr Ramanjulu recommended drinking a glass of warm milk before going to bed to enhance your sleep.
"If sleep is enhanced, most of the muscle pain issues and the spasms will be relieved. If the depth of sleep is not good, then there will be a vicious cycle. Next day, in the morning, you're going to get up with more aches and pains," he said.
He shared that the feelings of low in winter can further increase pain, especially for those who have chronic aches.
Keeping oneself upbeat and participating in activities that one likes will break the cycle of pain which often includes sleep loss and mood disturbance, said Dr Ramanjulu.
4. EXERCISES
"Stretching exercises are the best for relaxing the muscles and avoiding joint pain, especially knee pain. Apart from this, regular exercises should include cycling, walking, aerobics and swimming, which strengthen the knee muscles and keep them healthy and flexible," said Dr Chakor.
5. FOODS
To avoid such complaints from the elderly or anyone who experiences aches and pain in the joints, it is always advisable to have food including vitamins C, D and K. This includes spinach, cabbage, tomatoes, and oranges which also have calcium and other minerals needed for the well-being of the bones and joints.
"Eating a well-balanced, healthy and nutritious diet is what would make a difference. Dairy products, cereals, pulses and seasonal fruits should be included in the diet too," advised Dr Chakor.
Dr Ramanjulu said that people should consume foods that can increase a person's serotonin levels. This includes nuts, green leafy vegetables, various probiotic substances, eggs and chicken.
How is joint pain treated?
Home treatment
Doctors consider both OA and RA to be chronic conditions. There’s no treatment currently available that will completely eliminate the joint pain associated with arthritis or keep it from returning. However, there are ways to manage the pain:
It may help to use topical pain relievers or take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Stay physically active and follow a fitness program focusing on moderate exercise.
Stretch before exercising to maintain a good range of motion in your joints.
Keep your body weight within a healthy range. This will lessen stress on the joints.
If your pain isn’t due to arthritis, you can try taking a nonprescription, anti-inflammatory drug, getting a massage, taking a warm bath, stretching frequently, and getting adequate rest.
Medical treatment
Your treatment options will depend on the cause of the pain. In some cases, your doctor will need to draw out accumulated fluid in the joint area to test for infection or gout or other causes of the joint pain. They might also recommend surgery to replace the joint.
Other nonsurgical treatment methods could include lifestyle changes or medications that can potentially cause your RA to go into remission. In the case of RA, your doctor will first address inflammation. Once the RA goes into remission, your medical treatment will focus on keeping a tight rein on your condition so that you avoid flare-ups.