Winter offers a lot of fun, and the weather is very pleasant to enjoy. However, studies have proven that winter can worsen joint pain. Pain in the knees and ankles can worsen during winter months. The pain worsens with activity as we put pressure on our joints. The experts at the orthopedics department have given a few reasons for knee pain in winter. Let us explore these reasons here, along with the ways to manage it.
Relationship between barometric pressure and knee pain
During winter months, the atmospheric pressure is low. This has a heavy influence on the joints and results in knee pain during winter.
- There is a strong connection between knee pain and air pressure.
- Barometric pressure (also known as atmospheric pressure) is the air pass that weighs down a person.
- When there is a drop in this pressure during colder months, the tissues in our body react to it by expanding.
- This expansion causes pain in the joints.
- Doctors from the orthopedics department state that this drop in atmospheric pressure causes the tendons, muscles, and joints to swell. This results in joint pain.
- This swelling will pass to the surrounding nerves, causing pain.
Other causes of knee pain in winter:
Colder weather puts undue pressure on the knees. It can accelerate the pain, especially in those with arthritis and previous injuries. The exact reason for this occurrence is not known. Possible causes of knee pain in winter are as follows.
- Changes in synovial fluid:
The joints have synovial fluid that acts as a cushion for the bones. The fluid helps to absorb shock and facilitates smooth joint movement. During winter, this fluid that has the consistency of egg white thickens. As a result, the joints become stiff and creaky causing pain.
- Physical inactivity:
Generally, we tend to be inactive during winter months. This lethargy accelerates pain in the knees. Vitamin D helps bone function, as it helps to absorb calcium from food. As we refuse to go out during winter, our bodies lack vitamin D as well.
- Changes in circulation:
The cold weather changes the amount of blood sent to some of our body parts to keep us warm. Blood flow to the knees will be diverted to vital organs like the heart and lungs. This will get the muscles to tighten, resulting in knee pain in the winter months.
FAQ
What is seasonal affective disorder or SAD?
Changes in the season can influence the mood of the person. It can cause moderate depression and alter the way we perceive pain. Perhaps this is one reason why people feel more pain during the winter months.
Ways to avoid knee pain in winter:
Experts from the orthopedics department have suggested the following techniques to manage knee pain in winter.
We have to keep ourselves warm:
- We can use electric blankets and wear proper warm clothes to stay warm.
- Try warming the car and the house to stay warm and mitigate pain during the cold weather.
- We can also use thighs, knee support, and leggings to keep the joints warm.
- A warm bath can also help loosen the muscle. It will also help to improve the flexibility of the muscles and enhance circulation.
- It is important to stay active during the cold weather to avoid joint stiffness. We can also perform simple yoga and stretches to avoid stiffness.
- Doctors from the orthopedics department recommend taking pain medicines to manage joint pain.
- We can also use knee braces and compression bands to manage swelling in the joints. This also helps to enhance stability.
- Above all, it is important to get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation will worsen the pain.
Bottom Line
It is important to get professional help from the experts in the orthopedic department to manage knee pain during winter. It is not advisable to take any pain medicines without consulting the doctor.