Extra care in cold helps endure arthritis better

ALLAHABAD: Everyone is experiencing problems because of the winter chill, but the weather is painful for those suffering with arthritis. Coping with this often debilitating disease becomes more challenging when the weather turns cold, as joints get stiff and hurt.
Talking to TOI, Dr K D Tripathi, orthopedic surgeon of the city, said rheumatoid arthritis in the winter or spring is more severe than in summer and fall, according to a French study of arthritis patients.In addition to low temperature, viruses more prevalent during winter may play a part in increasing severity of arthritis, the study concluded".
But the winter chill should not restrict you indoors as walking outside in the winter has many health benefits for arthritis patients. Besides burning calories it helps you feel positive and motivated, he added. Moreover, inactivity can often increase in pain, suggested the medico. Exercise helps keep joints moving, strengthens muscles connected to joints, preserves bone health, and improves overall health and fitness.
If a patient of this painful ailment is less active during winter, smallest movement could be painful. Maintain your prescribed exercise as much as possible during winter months as continuous movement helps fight stiffness of joints, he added.
Talking about the diet one should follow, Dr S K Shukla, former head of the department of medicine, Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, Allahabad said our body tends to become heavier in colder weather as our bodies crave for warmth-generating and fat-building fare to keep us warm from within. But maintaining a healthy diet throughout winter and to control excess weight, which puts undue strain on already sore joints, is key to managing arthritis.
In case it is too cold outside, it is advisable to stay indoors and if one must venture out it is important to dress in layers. Instead of relying on a single heavy woolen it is better to wear extra layers and thermals besides taking pain relief medicines if prescribed any, said Shukla. This will help control pain and allow free movement. It is also observed that people tend to get inactive during winters which leads to frequent painful flare-ups. Hence, it is advisable to perform regular exercises and keep yourself mobile.
Likewise, commenting on the problem faced by those suffering from arthritis and methods that could keep them warm, another Orthopedic expert of the city Dr Jitendra Jain said one should bundle up from head to toe in several layers. Preheat the car before getting into it and make sure your home or apartment is warm. Other suggestions are to drink warm or hot drinks, such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate. It's also important to keep moving and exercising the affected joints before going out in the cold weather. It also helps maintain a regular exercise program year round. Exercise will not only loosen stiff joints, it will also help prevent winter weight gain that puts more stress on painful joints.
* Keep your aching joints warm during winters
* Take hot packs or warm baths
* Alternate cold and hot packs for 10 minutes
* Do not strain or overdo
* Be careful while walking on slippery ground
* Take healthy and balanced diet
* Eat lot of fresh fruits and vegetables