When winter comes, many people notice that knee pain and stiffness appear more often, especially in the morning or at the end of the day. According to doctors, this is a fairly common phenomenon, especially in the elderly, people who have had joint injuries or have a less active lifestyle. However, knee pain in cold weather is not only simply due to the weather but can also reflect potential problems of the bone and joint system.
According to Dr. Anand Chavan, senior consultant in Orthopedics, Fortis Hospital (Bengaluru, India), cold weather often makes joint pain symptoms more obvious, especially in people who have had bone and joint diseases before or due to natural aging.
Why does the knee easily hurt when it's cold?
The first cause relates to the body's reaction to temperature changes. When it's cold, the soft tissues around the joint tend to contract, reducing flexibility and making the joint stiffer. For people with arthritis, osteoarthritis, or individual knee injuries, pain and discomfort may increase significantly.
In addition, changes in atmospheric pressure are also considered an influencing factor. When temperatures drop, air pressure is usually lower, causing tissues around the joints to expand slightly. This expansion can stimulate nerve endings in already sensitive joints, thereby causing a feeling of pain or severe joint strain.
Winter knee pain and warning signs from the body
Dr. Anand Chavan said that knee pain in winter can be a sign of underlying problems such as early-stage arthritis, osteoarthritis or weak muscle system around the joint. Cold weather does not directly cause the disease but can exacerbate the symptoms that have existed silently before.
Therefore, some people only feel a slight pain, while others experience sharp pain and prolonged joint stiffness. This is a signal that the knee joint needs to be cared for and taken care of properly.
Role of living habits
Winter often leads to reduced movement, sitting a lot and little outdoor activity. When the muscle groups around the knees, especially the thigh muscles, become weakened, the knee joints will become less stable, increasing the risk of pain.
In addition, dehydration is also a common condition in the cold season due to reduced thirst. When the body is dehydrated, joint mucus decreases, joint cartilage becomes less elastic, making movement more difficult and painful.
How to reduce knee pain in the cold season
Experts say that people with knee pain do not need to endure it all winter if they know how to take care of it properly. Some simple measures can significantly reduce this condition:
Keep your knees warm with a bandage, warm clothes, or a heat bag when it's cold.
Maintain gentle exercise, even when indoors, such as stretches, walking, leg lifts, or low-impact exercises.
Drink enough water every day to maintain joint lubrication.
Choose suitable shoes, avoid slipping and keep your feet warm.
See a doctor if the pain persists, affecting daily life or mobility, for timely advice and treatment.
