During the winter, many people often face swelling or inflammation in their feet and fingers. This phenomenon is often related to arthritis, with symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness and difficulty moving.
In addition, swelling in the feet and fingers is also related to a number of other changes in the body when the weather turns cold. Below is the explanation of Dr. Anup Khatri - senior orthopedic consultant at Global Hospital, Mumbai (India) - about the cause of this phenomenon:
Reduced blood circulation
According to Dr. Anup Khatri, cold weather tends to constrict blood vessels in the extremities, leading to reduced blood flow to the hands and feet. Reduced blood circulation can cause fluid retention and lead to swelling.
Dehydration
Many people think that dehydration is only a summer problem, but it can still happen when the weather turns cold. Drinking less water in the winter can cause dehydration, which causes the body to retain sodium, leading to fluid buildup in the tissues and causing swelling.
Lack of physical activity
Cold weather often causes many people to limit their outdoor activities. Reduced physical activity can impede blood circulation and contribute to water retention, which can worsen swelling in the feet and fingers.
Vasoconstrictor
Cold temperatures cause blood vessels in the hands and feet to constrict to conserve body heat. This vasoconstriction can lead to increased pressure within the blood vessels, leading to fluid leakage into surrounding tissues and subsequent swelling.
Hormonal changes
The low temperatures of winter can affect hormone levels in the body. Hormones such as cortisol, which are associated with stress, can affect fluid balance, causing swelling in the hands and feet.
Arthritis
Winter is a difficult season for people with arthritis. As temperatures drop, blood circulation slows down, leading to muscle spasms, pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.
