Cold causes joint contractions, pain increases
In winter, many people complain of more obvious pain and stiffness in the knees, spine, and wrists. According to chinhybeding experts, the cause comes from changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure. Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, blood flow to muscles and joints decreases, making muscles stiff and less flexible.
Dr. Dhananjay Gupta, an orthopedic surgeon at Fortis Hospital (India), analyzes: When the temperature drops, joint fluid, the natural lubricants in the joints become thicker and more sticky. This makes it difficult to move, causing a significant feeling of heaviness and joint pain".
Not only that, medical studies also record changes in air pressure that can cause mild swelling in tendons, muscles and tissues around joints, thereby increasing pain, especially in people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus red.
Lack of movement, spinning causes joint aging
Winter often brings a "going out" mentality, less movement. This habit unintentionally accelerates the aging process of joints. When the body is less active, muscles weaken, cartilage is vulnerable, causing joints to deteriorate more quickly.
Lack of movement will create a vicious cycle: stiffer joints, weaker muscles and increasing pain, warns Dr. Gupta. Elderly people, people with diabetes, thyroid disorders or athletes who ignore warm-ups are more likely to face this risk in the cold season.
Keep your joints healthy through winter with small things
To limit pain and slow down the aging process of joints, experts recommend maintaining simple but regular habits.
First of all, warm your joints before exercising. Warm compresses, take a hot shower in the morning and spend 5-7 minutes light stretching to help the joints " thucck" more safely. Even indoors, you should maintain movement with light exercises such as walking on the spot, yoga or Pilates to help your joints circulate well.
Regarding nutrition, omega-3 from fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts should be increased to reduce inflammation. Vitamin D is important for bones and joints, and can be supplemented through food or tablets in the winter, notes Dr. Gupta. Drinking enough water also helps reduce stiffness.
In addition, keeping the joints warm, paying attention to the working position and resting at the right time when there are signs of swelling and prolonged pain are factors that cannot be ignored.
