9 Arthritis Pain Relief Tips for Winter Weather

Many arthritis sufferers complain of aching joints during the cold season. Whether the joint pain/weather connection is scientifically true or not, you can still use these arthritis pain-relief tips when your aching joints act up in winter.

1. Dress Warmly

If it’s cold outside, keep aching hands warm with gloves, and add extra layers over knees and legs. You can also add up layers, to be able to take them off if needed: gloves, socks, etc

2. Hydrate

Even mild dehydration might make you more sensitive to pain, according to study results published in the September 2015 issue of Experimental Physiology.

3. Exercise Inside

While it's understandable to want to avoid winter chill, people with joint pain should still stay active. The less sedentary you are, the better your physical function, according to a study of people with knee arthritis published in Arthritis Care & Research in March 2015. Come up with an indoor exercise plan. Snow has a treadmill and an elliptical trainer at home.

4. Let Warm Water Comfort You

Swimming in a heated pool is both great exercise and soothing to joints. You can also get relief from warm baths, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Just don’t go right out into the cold after your soak. Let your body temperature normalize a bit first.

5. Supplement Vitamin D

Low levels of vitamin D might play a role in how sensitive you are to arthritis pain, according to research in the September 2015 issue of Pain Management. Being deficient in vitamin D also raises the risk for osteoporosis. You're less likely to get enough vitamin D from its natural source, sunlight, in the winter, so talk to your doctor about your need for supplements or vitamin D-fortified foods.

6. Stay Safe

Particularly when the weather turns icy, people with arthritis need to protect their joints from further damage. If you’re going outside, pick solid, supportive shoes with good treads and try to walk on a surface that doesn’t look slick.

7. Add Fish Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids do have some benefit because they seem to reduce the level of inflammation. The Arthritis Foundation recommends up to 2.6 grams of fish oil capsules twice a day. Make sure to let your doctor know if you try omega-3s, as they can increase the risk for bruising or bleeding.

8. Get a Massage

Yes, you have permission to indulge yourself and get a massage. Getting an hour-long massage once a week for at least eight weeks was shown to reduce pain, according to research in the June 2015 issue of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

9. Go Under the Needle

Acupuncture is another option for those willing to consider non-traditional treatments. You also might find the process relaxing and feel generally healthier, according to research in the August 2015 issue of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

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How are you coping with your Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms during winter? If you have any tips to share, you will be very welcome!

How cold does it get where you live? Do you think cold weather affects your joint pain? How does your everyday life change when winter comes?