How Cold Weather Impacts Joint Pain and What You Can Do About It

For those with joint pain or arthritis, the onset of cold weather often brings an increase in stiffness and discomfort. Winter doesn’t just bring cold, dry air—it can also create unique challenges for those with chronic pain, especially in the joints. In this article, we’ll explore why joint pain often flares up as temperatures drop and provide effective strategies to keep you comfortable and active all season long.

Why Cold Weather Affects Joint Pain

Many people notice that as the temperature drops, their joints feel stiffer and more painful. Although the exact reasons aren’t fully understood, there are a few contributing factors:

1. Changes in Barometric Pressure: The drop in barometric pressure in cold weather can cause tissues to expand, leading to increased pressure and discomfort around the joints.
2. Reduced Circulation: Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing circulation to muscles and joints, which can make them feel stiffer and more painful.
3. Tension from Shivering: When we’re cold, muscles tense up, which can cause surrounding joints to feel more stiff or achy. This can be particularly uncomfortable for those with conditions like arthritis.

Tips for Managing Joint Pain in Cold Weather

While winter weather may be inevitable, there are several ways you can keep joint pain at bay:

1. Dress in Layers: Keep your body warm to reduce shivering and muscle tension. Wearing layers allows you to regulate your body temperature easily, especially if you’re going between indoor and outdoor settings.
2. Stay Active: Physical activity boosts circulation and helps maintain joint mobility, reducing stiffness. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga can keep you active without stressing the joints.
3. Use Heating Pads: Applying heat to painful areas, especially in the morning, can relieve stiffness and increase blood flow to sore muscles.
4. Stay Hydrated: Cold air can be surprisingly dehydrating. Keeping yourself hydrated helps maintain joint lubrication, reducing friction and discomfort.
5. Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help fight inflammation and improve joint comfort.

When to See a Specialist

Sometimes, joint pain can signal a more significant issue that requires professional treatment. If you experience persistent joint pain or limited mobility, reach out to an orthopedic or pain specialist. Early intervention can make all the difference in reducing symptoms and maintaining your quality of life.

Conclusion

Joint pain in winter is common, but it doesn’t have to slow you down. With the right precautions and self-care practices, you can keep your joints feeling their best even as the temperature drops.

Meet Orthopedics Surgeon Dr. Deepan Patel 

Deepan Patel, MD, offers the latest cutting-edge techniques in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics. Dr. Patel specializes in cartilage restoration techniques and advanced shoulder reconstructive surgery. He also offers innovative treatment options for common sports-related injuries, including ACL tears, meniscus tears, and labral tears.

Dr. Patel serves patients at convenient locations in Edison, Clifton, West Orange, and Jersey City, New Jersey.  Dr. Patel is fellow-trained in minimally invasive procedures, including robot-assisted partial knee replacements, hip arthroscopy, and shoulder resurfacing arthroplasty. While his experience in these surgeries is extensive, Dr. Patel doesn’t rush to surgery without first looking for noninvasive treatments that can address a patient’s mobility and pain. Born and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Dr. Patel graduated magna cum laude with a medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He was also elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. For his orthopedic surgical residency, Dr. Patel worked at the prestigious NYU Langone Medical Center Hospital in New York. He went on to fellowship training at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, where he served as the assistant team physician for a number of Los Angeles professional sports teams, including the Lakers, Dodgers, Kings, Sparks, Anaheim Ducks, and teams from Loyola Marymount University. Dr. Patel has authored and co-authored over 15 articles for orthopedic journals and textbooks. He’s also presented his work on sports injuries at national meetings. 

Dr. Patel is especially passionate about treating ACL injuries, and the latest advancements in cartilage restoration techniques. He remains dedicated to learning the newest procedures and cutting-edge technologies, including robot-assisted surgeries, that weren’t available just a decade ago. Offering a relaxed, patient-centered environment at both his New Jersey surgical locations, Dr. Patel and his medical team provides the personalized care and attention that every patient deserves. If you were recently injured from a sport, or experience chronic knee, shoulder, hip, or elbow pain, Dr. Patel is available at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics offices in Clifton, Jersey City, West Orange, and Edison.