Do you find your knee starting to act up whenever it dips in temperature? When it’s about to rain, does yourbackstart aching more than normal? It may seem like a far-fetched idea, but for those who already suffer from joint pain, especially those witharthritis, this isn’t just in their imagination.
What causes your joints to ache?
“This is a difficult question to study scientifically because there are so many variables at play, and much of the evidence is mixed as to whether or not weather influences pain,” saidEvan Werk, MD, sports medicine physician atBanner – University Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic. “Anecdotally, many patients report an increase in joint pain during damp, cold, humid temperatures. The knees, hips, hands andbackseem to be the most common.”
一种理论表明，作为煽动者的气压压力。随着气压的下降，肌腱，肌肉和关节周围的周围组织将扩大。通常，患者会说他们的肌肉，韧带和关节在潮湿，寒冷的天气中更僵硬或更痛苦。
另一种理论表明，由于我们在冬季的活跃程度较低，因此这会导致我们的关节和肌肉感到更硬，更痛苦。
How can you relieve cold-weather joint pain?
这些理论是否有效，如果您在天气变冷时感到关节痛，Werk博士提供了这些技巧来缓解家中疼痛。
Keep moving
“The most important advice I can give is to just keep moving,” Dr. Werk said. “Whether it is walking and jogging or using a stationary bike or an elliptical, there is great evidence to show that low-impact, weight-bearing activities such as these can keep the cartilage of our joints健康and can improve function and reduce pain.”
By staying active and strengthening the muscles around your joints, you’ll also provide them with improved support and can significantly help with pain and stiffness.
“Remember before doing any physical exercise you should warm up properly—such as moderate walking or light jogging,” Dr. Werk said. “You should always warm-up before you stretch to avoid injury.”
Dress appropriately
你的关节保暖很重要. If you are planning on being outdoors and braving the elements,dress in layers. This is especially important for those who are vulnerable to colder weather, such as people who have rheumatoid arthritis orRaynaud’sdisease.
Apply Heat
韦尔克博士说：“如果患者发现温暖的淋浴并保持房屋的温暖有益，我会说。”“尝试这些措施几乎没有伤害，但我不建议您增加您的电费太多。”
Dr. Werk also suggested using a heating pad or an electric blanket to keep joints warm. Why not grab yourself a cup of hot tea, coffee or cocoa, a good book, and take some time to relax?
服用非甾体类抗炎药（NSAIDS）
You can take medications such as acetaminophen or ask your doctor for a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to reduce aches and pains.
What happens if these tips don’t help?
If you’ve exhausted these tips but are still experiencing pain, talk to your doctor and make sure it’s not something more serious.
“Joint pain can be a sign of an underlying condition such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, though not always,” Dr. Werk said. “It’s important to remember that pain is our body’s warning system, so we can’t discredit it. If you are experiencing swelling or redness at the joint, this should be aprompt consultationwith your doc."
Are you experiencing joint pain? Don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with an或者thopedic或者sports medicinespecialist to beevaluated. To find a Banner Health expert near you, visitvwin.comac德赢官方首页 .
To learn more about your knee and hip health, take our freeJoint Pain Test.
