How to Get Rid of Stiff Joints in the Winter

Do you experience worsening joint and muscle stiffness during the winter? Colder temperatures and rainy weather often make joint stiffness worse. Thankfully, there are several ways to alleviate these symptoms.

  1. Keep Moving: As tempting as it is to stay indoors and rest during the darkest months of the year, one of the best ways to improve joint stiffness is to keep moving. Exercise increases blood flow to muscles and joints; even a brisk walk can improve the range of motion in stiffened joints. An indoor gym or mall is ideal for this activity during the colder months. Other great options include riding a seated exercise bike or swimming in a heated pool.
  2. Try a Low-Impact Exercise Routine: If you’re inflexible all year, winter could be a great time to pick up a low-impact exercise routine! YogaTai Chi and Pilates are all great low-impact exercise routines that are proven to increase flexibility, core strength, and overall fitness. There are several free apps and YouTube videos you can follow within the comfort of your own home. Joining a group class adds the benefit of camaraderie and guided practice which can be ideal for beginners.
  3. Apply Heat: Moist heat and heating pads can be very effective for relieving stiff and achy joints, however, they should be used with caution. It’s recommended to apply heat for no more than 20-minute increments and to check the skin every five minutes for adverse skin reactions. As tempting as it is to fall asleep with a heating pad, this can be dangerous and lead to burns!

Ultimately, the best advice is to dress warmly and keep moving as the winter months pass. If you need help managing stiff joints, request an appointment online or call us today at (804) 764-1000 to set up a consultation with one of our arthritis specialists.

You may also enjoy: How Much Exercise is Enough When You Have Arthritis?

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Universal Cuffs

Adaptive Equipment Following Spinal Cord Injury

Globally, there are more than 15 million people living with spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI can often limit your physical capacity to perform certain tasks; however, with modifications and the integration of various pieces of adaptive equipment, you can continue to be independent and engage in meaningful daily activities. Below are the top 3 recommended adaptive equipment devices* for individuals with spinal cord injury.

Avoid Getting Burnt Out This Holiday Season

With the holidays upon us, it is easy to become overwhelmed while preparing to host family and friends, particularly when it comes to preparing a big meal. Read these tips to avoid holiday burnout.

Try Before You Buy: Exploring Assistive Technology

From a simple magnifying glass to voice-activated smart devices, technology is everywhere, and the right tools can support daily routines, connectivity with family, and safety within the home. However, with all the options available, how do you know what technology is right for you? And, once you find a device, what type of model and features should you choose? See how Sheltering Arms Institute’s Assistive Technology Lab can help.

Caring for the Caregiver

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and honor the dedication, compassion, and resilience of caregivers. Whether caring for a loved one recovering from trauma, illness, or injury, caregivers play an essential role in the healing process. However, caregiving can be overwhelming and emotionally demanding. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help caregivers take care of themselves so they may care for others.

Diet Tips to Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other health complications. A healthy lifestyle of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and diet can help reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. When it comes to your diet, the best one to follow is a dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet, or similarly, the Mediterranean diet. Learn specific dietary changes you can implement to help lower blood pressure.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.