Tips to Manage Arthritis in Winter

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[/FONT]Cold weather makes it harder for people with Arthritis to manage the symptoms. Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints. Cold weather can cause increase in inflammation, stiffness making it hard to move. This can make life quite difficult in carrying out daily activities such as getting dressed up, walking, standing, sitting, lifting things and so on.

Women, obese people, people with a family history of arthritis, older people (above 45), people doing repetitive movements such as typing, lifting or operating machine are more prone to get affected with arthritis.

Arthritis can be managed by reducing the inflammation, maintaining ideal weight, regular exercising and doing activities that can uplift the energy and mood. The cold weather can dampen the mood as well bring problems for people with arthritis. Here are few tips to avoid inflammation and aggravation of pain in the joints during winter.

Physical Activity: Most people tend to stay indoors to keep the body warm. However, lack of activity can cause pressure on the joints causing severe pain. Walk for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day outside. Do activities that increase the heart rate. This will enable good blood circulation to the joints and regulates the body temperature. Take up chores such as cleaning, gardening, washing car, vacuuming to keep the joints flexible.

• Have fun by playing with children.
• Use stairs instead of the elevator
• Do light stretches while watching TV or while sitting in one position for a long time.

Get a good dose of Vitamin D: Vitamin D is highly beneficial to maintain the strength of bones. Whenever possible, get out and get a healthy dose of sunshine in winter. If not, get your daily dose through foods such as milk, fortified cereal, eggs, salmon, tuna, cheese, yogurt and fortified orange juice.

Keep Warm: Keep yourself covered when stepping out, especially the hands and legs with sock, gloves or mittens to protect from cold. You can also indulge in warm bath during the course of the day to prevent inflammation of joints.

Admin Note: Here are relevant links on Arthritis

http://www.indusladies.com/forums/indian-diet-and-nutrition/885-foods-that-prevent-arthritis.html
http://www.indusladies.com/forums/health-issues/131278-arthritis-treatment.html