Many people with chronic joint and muscle pain say that the weather affects the pain symptoms they experience. This is true. It has now also been scientifically established through a study from the University of Manchester. Conclusion: In the winter months, people with chronic pain, like rheumatoid arthritis, 20% are more likely to have their pain worsen on days with high humidity, high winds and low air pressure. In other words, the winter months are no fun for people with rheumatism. We would like to give you 5 tips that will help you face the winter without your pain symptoms flaring up.
The study
In the UK study, 13,207 participants reported the level of pain daily via their smartphones for a year. The GPS sensor in the smartphone recorded their location, which the researchers were able to link to the nearest weather station. It turned out that in humid weather, many people with arthritis, for example, suffered more from their pain symptoms. Days with high winds and low air pressure also led to more pain. While on dry days, people with rheumatic complaints actually experienced less pain.
Tip 1: Keep an eye on the weather forecast if you have rheumatism
KNMI provides reliable weather forecasts, which also often refer to low or high pressure areas. So a low-pressure area, or depression, means low air pressure and this is often accompanied by colder temperatures, wind and rain. Do you have a barometer in your home? This shows the air pressure exactly. If the air pressure is low, you know there is a chance that your pain could flare up. If you are alert to weather conditions, you can adjust your daily activities accordingly.
Tip 2: Wear thermal underwear
If you have rheumatism, you know better than anyone else that changes in temperature affect the symptoms in your joints and muscles. In winter, the cold makes our blood flow a little poorer, making muscles and joints more likely to feel sore. It is natural for us to dress nice and warm in winter. But for people with rheumatism, it matters even more.
Some joints, such as the knee, are especially vulnerable. The knee joint is not kept warm by muscles and fatty tissue. Therefore, do not get your knees wet when walking outside in the rain. There are also wool knee warmers that you can wear around your knee joint. In any case, wear (thermal) underwear that keeps you warm and good long thick (ski) socks or warm trousers when going out.
Tip 3: Use warm creams or a hot water bottle for rheumatism
There are several ways to keep the muscles around your joints warm. For example, you can use warming ointments or creams; these soothe the feeling of pain in the muscles or joint. Using warm oil while massaging the muscles and joints can also be relaxing. This relaxes the muscles and joints. Don't really like those liniments? Then of course you can use a hot water bottle or a heating pad to warm your joints. You can easily heat a heating pad in the microwave.
Tip 4: Pay extra attention to your diet in winter for rheumatism
Because it is colder in winter, your body needs more energy to warm up. So it is wise to eat well, not skip meals and eat products that are good for you and balance your weight. There are lots of dietary recommendations on the internet that are said to reduce rheumatism. At the moment, there is no scientific evidence for this. Our advice is to eat healthy according to the Disk of Five and pay close attention to your weight. After all, this is very important: being overweight is bad for osteoarthritis, for example! Read more about it in this article.
Tip 5: Keep moving in winter with rheumatoid arthritis
Despite the cold, keep moving well. This is because exercise keeps your muscles and joints supple and 'lubricated'. Dress warmly and go walking or cycling. In rainy and windy weather, you can of course also exercise indoors. There are plenty of exercise programmes on television or on YouTube. Or use the Join2Move App which has been specially developed for people with osteoarthritis, but is also great for people with other forms of rheumatism. The app offers you exercises that will help you move more step by step.
Do you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and are looking for guidance on moving or treating your symptoms?
Then contact us by emailing info@friskfysio.nl, calling 085-5000333 or by visiting our website visit and fill in the contact form. We will then contact you as soon as possible.
