Cold Weather and Arthritis: How to Soothe Arthritis Flare-Ups

Arthritis affects 1 in 4 Americans, reports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This number jumps up as we age, with 1 in 2 adults over the age of 50 saying that arthritis pain prevents them from doing the everyday things in life that they used to enjoy. And this pain can get worse in the winter, and is commonly referred to as winter arthritis flare-ups.

“While cold weather doesn’t cause arthritis, it can exacerbate aches and pains,” report the doctors at Cedars Sinai. “According to the Arthritis Foundation, frigid temperatures can heighten pain sensitivity, slow blood circulation and cause muscle spasms. To make matters more complex, our joints can detect and respond to changes in barometric pressure (the amount of air pressure in the atmosphere).”

But it’s not all bad news, keep reading to get our natural tips and lifestyle habits that can help reduce arthritis pain and prevent, or reduce, winter arthritis flare-ups.

6 Ways to Reduce Arthritis Flare-Ups

Arthritis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by pain and stiffness in the joints, and can make everyday activities very difficult. There are many different treatments for arthritis flare-ups, but not all of them are effective. In this blog post, we will give you six specific and effective tips for reducing arthritis pain.

1. Exercise regularly. “Exercise is crucial for people with arthritis,” explains the Mayo Clinic. “It increases strength and flexibility, reduces joint pain, and helps combat fatigue.”

The American College of Rheumatology suggests that you:

• Talk to your doctor to ensure your exercise plans fit your current health concerns and are appropriate for your arthritis and arthritis flare-ups
• Start slowly and focus on low-impact exercise that doesn’t stress your joints, such as swimming or walking
• Be mindful of the time that you exercise — for instance if you have morning stiffness, the college recommends incorporating exercise in the morning to help warm up your joints

2. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help to reduce inflammation, which can in turn help to reduce pain. Anti-inflammatory foods include healthy fats (such as the omega-3s in salmon and other fatty fish), herbs like ginger root, and antioxidant-rich foods like berries. Likewise, you should avoid some of the most common dietary and lifestyle culprits that may increase inflammation:

• High-sugar foods
• Dairy
• Foods high in saturated fats and trans fats
• Empty carbohydrates, such as refined white wheat products
• Tobacco and alcohol
• Foods that have been deep fried or cooked at very high temperatures
• Gluten

3. Take supplements. There are many different supplements that can help to reduce arthritis pain. These include omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate.

An out-of-balance immune system can also contribute to arthritis flare-ups. Talk to your doctor about all-natural immune-balancing supplements like BioPro-Plus 500. BioPro-Plus 500 is a 100% natural supplement, which has no known side-effects or contraindications, and can help balance and strengthen your natural immune response.

4. Use heat or cold therapy. Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

5. Try acupuncture or massage therapy. Both acupuncture and massage therapy can help to reduce pain and improve the range of motion of your joints.

6. Use assistive devices. Assistive devices such as walkers or canes can help to take pressure off of the joints, which can help to reduce pain.

Arthritis is a painful condition that can make everyday activities very difficult. As we get into the winter season and your risk of arthritis flare-ups rise, use the above strategies to naturally soothe your joints and improve your joint health.

References:

• https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/national-statistics.html
• https://ihpi.umich.edu/news/poll-aching-joints-make-older-adults-reach-many-forms-pain-relief-health-risks-could-follow
• https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/arthritis-worse-in-winter-winter.html
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20047971
• https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Living-Well-with-Rheumatic-Disease/Exercise-and-Arthritis
• https://www.allergyinstitute.org/blog/8-inflammation-causing-foods-to-avoid-when-you-have-arthritis
• https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/physical-effects/inflammation-and-the-immune-system