Baby It’s Cold Outside!
This winter has been especially cold and snowy, making many of us wish for some warm sunshine. Cold weather can change our daily routines and how we feel. When it’s chilly outside, things just seem different compared to warm, sunny days. People often hesitate to go outdoors when it’s cold. As we get older, our joints can feel stiff and achy, and cold weather, changes in air pressure, and high humidity can make joint pain worse.
Joints and Cold Weather
Many people with joint pain notice it gets worse when the weather turns cold. This could be because of changes in air pressure or simply the cold air. Winter often makes joint pain more difficult for seniors.
Why Joints Hurt in Cold Weather
- Thickened Synovial Fluid: The fluid that lubricates your joints becomes thicker, reducing its slipperiness and increasing friction.
- Muscle & Tissue Tightening: Cold causes muscles, tendons, and ligaments to stiffen and contract, increasing joint pressure.
- Reduced Circulation: Blood vessels narrow in the cold to conserve heat, slowing blood flow to extremities and potentially increasing pain.
- Barometric Pressure Changes: Lower air pressure before cold weather can cause tissues around joints to expand slightly, irritating nerves and increasing pain.
- Decreased Activity: Cold weather often leads to less movement, which further stiffens joints and weakens supporting muscles.
Managing Joint Pain
Seniors with joint pain can use certain tips and strategies during the colder months to help reduce pain and move more comfortably.
Keep Moving
Staying active and exercising regularly is important for seniors all year, and it can really help with joint pain. For adults over 65, physical activity keeps the body flexible and helps loosen stiff joints. There are many simple exercises seniors can do indoors if it’s too cold to go outside. Even taking short walks around the house can make a difference.
Nutritious Diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for overall health, but it’s also helpful for managing joint pain. Seniors should make sure to get enough nutrients, vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber to keep their bodies balanced and help reduce inflammation.
Vitamin D
In Canada, it can be hard to get enough vitamin D during the colder months. Taking vitamin D supplements or choosing foods rich in vitamin D can help seniors manage joint pain in the fall and winter.
Bundle Up
Going outside in the cold can be tough when you have joint pain, since the cold can make it worse. Dressing in layers and wearing warm clothes can make it easier and less stressful on your joints. Seniors shouldn’t let joint pain stop them from enjoying the outdoors in winter, as long as they stay well covered and keep their joints warm.
Apply Heat
Using hot water bottles, warm compresses, heating pads, or taking warm baths can help ease sore joints and make seniors feel more comfortable. Heat can be soothing in cold weather and may help lessen joint pain.
Take an Active Approach
Sore joints can significantly affect seniors’ comfort in the cold-weather months, so addressing problems before they begin to inhibit seniors’ lives is essential.
With a few purposeful strategies and considerations in mind, seniors can continue to enjoy the winter despite any joint-related challenges.
Promyse Home Care offers Compassionate Companion Care for our Senior loved ones living alone and can be their walking companion to keep them active with less joint pain this winter.
