Love Your Joints: Caring for Achy or Painful Joints in Winter

February 14, 2025

Winter brings more than just cold weather – it can also bring joint pain and discomfort. For many, the colder months can lead to increased stiffness and aches, especially in areas like the knees, hips, and shoulders. Whether you have arthritis or simply notice more soreness as temperatures drop, it’s important to care for your joints during winter to stay comfortable and active.

Tips for Joint Care in Winter:

Keep Warm: Cold temperatures can cause muscles to tighten and stiffen, leading to joint pain. Layer up with warm clothing, including thermal socks, gloves, and scarves. Consider using a heating pad or warm compress on particularly sore areas to increase circulation and relax tight muscles.
Stay Active: While winter may make you want to stay cozy inside, movement is key to joint health. Regular, low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or indoor cycling can help maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength. If it’s too cold outside, consider joining a local gym or fitness center with indoor facilities.
Use Joint-Friendly Supplements: Supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids can help support joint health by reducing inflammation and improving lubrication in the joints. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra weight puts additional stress on your joints, especially in the knees, hips, and lower back. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of joint pain and slow down the progression of conditions like osteoarthritis. Focus on balanced meals and portion control during the winter months to support joint health.
Take Care of Your Feet: Winter conditions can be harsh on your feet, leading to pain in your knees, hips, and back. Wear sturdy, supportive shoes with non-slip soles to avoid falls. Don’t forget to stretch your feet and ankles to keep them limber during the colder months.
Warm Up Before Exercise: Cold weather can lead to muscles tightening up quickly, so it’s essential to warm up properly before engaging in any physical activity. Gentle stretches or a slow walk can help your joints loosen and prepare your body for movement.

Orthopaedic Associates’ Comprehensive Treatment Options:

If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain this winter, it’s important to seek expert advice. At Orthopaedic Associates, we specialize in diagnosing and treating joint issues, whether they are caused by arthritis, injury, or other underlying conditions. Our team offers a variety of treatment options tailored to your needs, including:

Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to increase strength and flexibility in your joints.
Injections and Medication: Non-surgical options to reduce pain and inflammation, such as corticosteroid injections or hyaluronic acid treatments.
Surgical Solutions: For more severe cases, we provide minimally invasive surgeries to help restore joint function and reduce pain.
Joint Replacement: In cases of significant joint degeneration, joint replacement surgery can be life-changing, restoring mobility and eliminating pain.

Don’t let winter’s chill take a toll on your joints. Contact Orthopaedic Associates to schedule an appointment and explore the many treatment options available to keep you feeling your best year-round.