How Cold Weather Can Impact Chronic Pain
It’s no secret that cold weather can make our bodies ache in ways we didn’t know were possible. But for those that struggle with chronic pain, the winter months can be especially challenging. The cold temperatures and low humidity can cause joints to stiffen, muscles to contract, and nerve endings to become even more sensitive.
To further understand how the cold winter weather can affect our chronic pain, the pain management experts at Joint Relief Associates of New York have the information you need:
Joint Pain During Cold Weather
As the temperature drops, so does the humidity level in the air. This decrease in moisture causes our joints to become dry and brittle, which can lead to increased joint pain — especially for those with arthritis or other conditions that cause chronic joint pain. To combat this, it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day and wear an extra layer of clothing if you plan to go outside for an extended period.
Muscle Cramps, Spasms, and Knots
Cold temperatures can cause muscles to contract more than usual, leading to painful spasms or cramps in areas such as your calves or back. The best way to prevent muscle cramps is by stretching before any physical activity and staying hydrated throughout the day. Additionally, using a heating pad or taking a warm bath may help alleviate some of the tension and stiffness caused by cold weather.
Numbness and Tingling Sensations
In addition to causing physical pain, cold weather can also cause numbness or tingling sensations in your hands and feet due to decreased blood flow circulation. Blood flow helps keep body tissues healthy and supple, which reduces feelings of numbness or tingling sensations. Wearing thick socks or gloves, as well as drinking plenty of fluids, will help keep your hands and feet warm while also increasing circulation.
For expert joint health care and pain management in New York, contact our team today!
Here at Joint Relief Associates of New York, we specialize in pain management for all areas of the body to help you work toward a better quality of life. We take great pride in offering the finest services to alleviate pain and provide the best experience for our patients at every step of the recovery process.
Call our office today at 516-590-7410 or visit our website to schedule an appointment for your FREE initial consultation. We are looking forward to hearing from you!