Fortunately, in Northwest Florida, we don’t experience a really harsh winter; however, arthritis flares when the weather is cold and/or damp – and both of these extremes are often experienced within tropical storms or with winter temps that dip down, sometimes, to below freezing. Arthritis causes stiffness, pain, and swelling of the joints. Cold temperatures tend to make muscles contract, which puts more pressure on joints that may already be hurting.
Even though you may be tempted to cloister yourself inside a warm house during the winter, Arthritis Today magazine advises just the opposite! Here are a few tips they suggest:
- Stay warm and dry – you may want to equip your home with a dehumidifier.
- Stay active – exercise helps keep joints moving.
- Get help – Dr. Hulon Crayton encourages his patients to see him regularly during the winter months.
- Keep to your diet – Diets, during the winter, tend to be fat-building, but it is important to maintain a healthy diet throughout the winter -- and -- year!
Remember this: Pain is NOT normal! Let the experts at The Arthritis and Infusion Center
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