Winter is a tough time for arthritis patients, especially for elderly people as extreme cold make the movement more painful. Cold weather makes the situation difficult for arthritis joints due to many factors. Taking prescribed medicines regularly, keeping yourself warm, are some ways to manage arthritis but as winters make arthritis patients sedentary, below listed tips could prove helpful in managing the pain during this winter:
Keep exercising: Exercising is really important for arthritis patients but with extreme cold outside, some simple exercises such as walking and gardening may be put on hold. Don't stop exercising at all. There are some indoor exercises that you can do while sitting back in your room. As being less active could lead to joint stiffness and muscle tightness, consult your doctor and ask him for suitable exercises.
Stay warm: Don't forget to bundle up your joints during winter season as the cold weather could lead to pain. As hands and feet are usually vulnerable during winters, make sure you cover them properly with warm clothes. While going outside, wear everything to cover your joints. Winter is a difficult season for arthritis patients as cold weather affects your joints badly and the best way to protect yourself is keeping them warm.
Avoid harsh physical activities: Simple exercises are good to keep your joints moving but performing some strenuous physical activity should be avoided. Lifting heavy objects or pulling should be avoided preventing any complications. As your joints are inflamed, heavy physical activities could lead to severe pain or other complications.
Eat a proper diet: Eat a balanced diet as eating too much could lead to weight issues that will make the condition worse. As one love to eat during winters, avoid food stuffs that can increase your weight. Eat a proper diet rich in minerals and not carbohydrates.
Sit in the sun: As sun rays are a natural source of Vitamin D, sit in sunny days during winters regularly. Take Vitamin D from direct sun light that would ease your condition and helps in making your bones stronger.
Protect yourself: While going out or doing anything, make sure you don't meet with accidents as even a small injury may be dangerous for you. Cover yourself properly while moving out with warm clothes as cold weather may affect your joint badly.
Use warm water for bathing: Bath with warm water during winters as it will make your joints moveable, and you'll feel good.
The patients with acute arthritis are at higher risk during winters. They should take their medicines on time and follow the above stated self-care tips to stay active. As the disease is quite complex and painful even in normal weather, winters may make the condition even poor. Joint pain, reduced physical activity, etc are some common problems faced by arthritis patients, especially elderly patients. Thus, ensuring a protective and warm stay is the best way to avoid any complications arising due to cold weather. Manage arthritis this winter with these valuable tips.
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