Coping with Arthritis in Cold Weather

The recent Arctic blast that hit the UK was an unwelcome reminder to people with arthritis that their symptoms often become more severe during cold weather.

Impact of the weather on arthritis symptoms

Although it’s not true for everyone, many people report feeling more joint pain and an increase in stiffness as temperatures drop, particularly when the weather turns damp and rainy. While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence from arthritis sufferers about the effects of cold, damp weather on symptoms, independent research in this area is limited. A 2010 study by the University of Manchester (Cloudy with a Chance of Pain) reported that low pressure, high humidity and strong winds in particular tend to intensify arthritis symptoms.

For people with Raynaud’s phenomenon (which causes problems with blood flow to the outer extremities of the body, especially the fingers and toes), the cold weather can be particularly challenging. The fingers or toes may turn white or even blue and there may be a loss of sensation which tends to gradually return as you warm up.

What can help

When you have a chronic condition like arthritis it is important to understand your symptoms and get to know what sort of things make them worse (and, conversely, what makes them better). If you find the winter months challenging, here are some things you can do to look after yourself:

1. Keep warm – The simplest and most obvious way to manage your symptoms is to do what you can to keep warm. This means wearing the right clothing for the conditions. The advice is to layer up with loose layers of clothing rather than thicker clothes as the former are better at trapping the heat against your body. Hands and feet can be particularly prone to cold so try wearing thermal socks or tights and warm gloves.
2. Heat your home – The cost of living crisis and rocketing energy bills mean many of us are now wary about putting the heating on at home. Ideally, your home should be no colder than 18° Try turning off radiators in rooms you’re not using and make sure your home is well-insulated. Although cold weather payments are no longer provided for all pensioners, people in receipt of certain benefits may be entitled to these payments so check out if you’re eligible. Keeping yourself warm by wearing cosy jumpers and using a hot water bottle can be a more cost-effective option than heating your entire home.
3. Have a hot bath or shower – If you are experiencing stiff, achy joints, a warm bath in Epsom salts can relieve aches and pains and help you move more easily. A warm bath or shower before bed may help you to sleep better too, and you may also want to use an electric blanket (although remember to turn it off before you go to sleep).
4. Keep moving – While it’s tempting to go into hibernation mode during cold weather and want to snuggle up on the sofa and watch TV, it’s important to keep moving. Exercise helps joints to stay supple and flexible and it improves your circulation. The best forms of exercise for arthritis sufferers are low impact exercises like swimming, yoga or walking. Getting outside in the fresh air can also raise your spirits and provide a much-needed boost of Vitamin D which plays an important role in immunity and bone health.
5. Stay safe – Icy and wet weather increases the risk of falling. Wear sturdy footwear with a good grip when going outside. If you are unsteady on your feet, try using a walking stick or walking pole to support yourself. Stick to well-lit areas and be aware of black ice on untreated roads and footpaths.

There are many different approaches to manage the symptoms of arthritis, ranging from non-operative treatments such as painkillers and anti-inflammatories through to pain-relieving injections into the affected joints.

For the most severe forms of the disease, surgery may be the best option, including joint replacement surgery.

Contact us for advice about managing the symptoms of arthritis and to discuss your treatment options.

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