8 natural ways to manage joint pain and arthritis in winter

In winters, drop in barometric pressure can cause the soft tissues to swell and this may put pressure on the joints, causing pain and stiffness. (Freepik) "While there is anecdotal evidence suggesting that cold weather may exacerbate joint pain and stiffness, scientific studies on the relationship between weather and joint pain, such as arthritis, have produced mixed results.

Some people with arthritis report increased pain and stiffness in cold weather, while others do not experience any significant changes. The scientific understanding of this phenomenon is not yet conclusive, and individual responses may vary," says Mohanapriya.S senior executive physiotherapist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Chennai, OMR Branch.

(Twitter/HeartFlow) 1. Stay warm: Dress in layers to trap heat and keep your body warm. Use heated blankets or clothing to maintain warmth. Keep your home comfortably warm.. (Gurpreet Singh/HT) 2. Keep moving: Engage in regular, gentle exercises to keep your joints flexible. Consider activities like swimming, which is easy on the joints.

Perform stretching exercises to improve flexibility. Walk as much as possible which keeps up the activity in the joints and limits the tightness in the joints. (Pixabay) 3. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put additional stress on joints, leading to increased pain. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to manage your weight.

4. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to joint stiffness. Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. (Unsplash) 5. Use hot or cold therapy: Apply heat packs or warm towels to joints to alleviate stiffness. Cold packs may help reduce inflammation and numb the area. (Freepik) 6. Consider supplements: Some people find relief from joint pain through the use of supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.

Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements. (Pexels) 7. Medication: Over the counter pain relievers or anti inflammatory medications may help manage joint pain. Consult with your healthcare provider before using any medication. (Unsplash) 8. Exercises: The muscles that support your knees and hips can be strengthened with 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.

We have to encourage ourselves to do 15 minutes of warmup exercises and cool down stretches to minimize the effect of cold on joints and muscles. Stretching exercises can support your joints. Simple stretches can improve pain by improving the range of motion. (Pixabay).