03.12.2018
IS COLD AFFECTING YOUR JOINT PAIN?
There has been some debate in the scientific community as to why cold weather causes or aggravates a pre-existing painful condition. The results show that there is correlation between low temperatures and reports of pain.
This is happening because cold weather makes the muscles, tendons, ligaments that support a joint tighten and this is increasing the strain into the joint and irritate its nerve endings, causing pain.
Similarly, pain itself can cause our bodies to become more sensitive. For example if you have broken a bone or have an injury that just recently healed then cold weather may affect them as the sensors in this area have become more sensitive.
Additionally, there are some painful conditions like Raynauds disease, that are directly affected from the cold due to the decreased blood supply from the arteries.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF IS:
1. Keep moving: regular exercise will keep the blood flow increased between the joints and make them less stiff
2. Have regular hot drinks and dress well
3.Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as it narrows the blood vessels and reduces the body’s temperature
4. If you exercise take some more time for warming up and cooling down
If you need more information ask a member of our #Purephysiotherapyteam and they can create a preventive exercise program for you.
