How to handle arthritis in winter

Seasonal changes can greatly impact arthritis symptoms. And while it’s not possible to fully prevent increased joint pain and stiffness in cold weather, you can do a few things to help.

1. Stay warm. Keeping your body warm can relieve arthritis pain and loosen up the joints. Protect your hands, feet, and head by layering up before you go outside. If you feel too hot, you can always peel off a layer.
2. Get daily exercise. Movement increases muscle strength around your joints, which can relieve pressure. Warm up by stretching, then ease yourself into a low-impact workout routine like walking, swimming, or hot yoga.
3. Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts pressure on your joints, especially your knees and hips. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and incorporate omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation.
4. Stay hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day helps ensure your joint fluid stays hydrated, reducing the friction between your bones.

Implementing one or all of these practices can help ease arthritis pain this winter.

These tips originally appeared in an article from Maple’s blog: Does arthritis get worse when the seasons change?

Please read the following carefully:

1. This article has been prepared by and belongs to Maple Corporation. ivari is permitted to use and distribute this article. All uses, modifications and distributions are subject to the prior written approval of ivari and Maple Corporation and otherwise expressly prohibited.
2. This material is intended for general information purposes only and should not be considered specific or personal health/medical advice, nor is it a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional.
3. For your convenience, this article may provide links to third-party sites. ivari makes no representations about these sites and access by you is at your own risk.
4. ivari partners with Maple Corporation to offer extra-contractual virtual health services to its policyholders. For details, click here. Please consult your ivari life insurance advisor to determine if this service is right for you.
5. The content of this page is subject to ivari’s Terms of Use.