Saturday, January 7, 2017

Beat Arthritis Pain This Winter - 7 Simple Tips

Many people who suffer from Arthritis dread the coming of winter. This is not merely an unreasonable phobia, there exists research which says that pain perception is adversely affected by changes in weather, especially, temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure. While more study is required, this finding fits in perfectly with the spike in complaints regarding joint pain that doctors face from their Arthritis patients during winter or monsoon.

Although you can do nothing about the chilly weather, you can take precautions which will help you reduce the sensation of pain brought about by seasonal changes. These tips will not solve the underlying problem of Arthritis, but they can certainly make life less unpleasant and transform the winter season into a time of joy.

Combating Arthritis pain in winter

1. Wear warm clothes: As it is chilly outside, you need to wear adequate warm clothes. Take care to cover affected joints like the knees or the hands so that they are least exposed to the cold weather. Since Arthritis usually affects the elderly, you should make sure that they are properly clothed most of the time. If necessary, convince them to wear layers of warm clothes which can keep them shielded from shifts in temperature.

2. Drink plenty of water: In the experience of some doctors, people who drink enough water throughout the day tend to have less experience of pain. Perhaps, mild dehydration might make some people more sensitive to pain. So remember to drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday.

3. Exercise regularly: This will help control your weight and improve the flexibility and strength of your bones and muscles. This will add much needed strength to your joints. Just 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise 4 times a week is enough to maintain joint health and bring down the risk of joint pain.

4. Be active in the house: While you may feel like avoiding any work in the chilly weather, this is actually a bad idea. Doctors and physiotherapists around the world ask Arthritis patients to try and stay active as much as possible. Since the weather outside may not suit you, try to stay active in the house. Doing household chores like cooking or doing the laundry is a great way of staying active in spite of the inclement weather.   

5. Apply hot pack: If you feel that the pain is getting unbearable, then apply a hot pack on the affected area. The warmth will improve blood circulation in and around the joint while temporarily reducing pain sensation.

6. Lose weight: Even a reduction of a couple of kilograms can help reduce the stress on the affected joints (especially the knees) which will in turn reduce the sensation of pain. Losing just 5 kilograms will help reinvigorate your body and make it easier to perform daily tasks.

7. Don’t ignore good food: Make sure you get plenty of calcium and vitamin D-rich foods on a daily basis. Both of these nutrients are vital for maintaining bone strength. So eat dairy products like milk or yogurt everyday.

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid

Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.


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