Seasonal Joint Pain: What Is It and What You Can Do About It
Can you tell in your bones when the weather is going to change? Does the onset of winter bring the dread of chronic joint pain with it? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from seasonal joint pain. This type of pain can come from specific causes, like arthritis. But sometimes, it’s not something doctors can explain.
That doesn’t make your seasonal joint pain any less real, though. And the only way you’re going to find relief is if you do something about it. Fortunately, that’s exactly what we’re going to cover in this post!
What is Seasonal Joint Pain and What Causes It?
Essentially, the term “seasonal joint pain” can refer to any pain or discomfort that comes from changes during the seasons. Although seasonal and weather changes have long been associated with joint pain, scientists aren’t exactly sure what the connection between the two is. That isn’t to say experts believe this association doesn’t exist – many do. But they’re just not sure about the “why.”
University of Chicago orthopedic surgeon Kenneth Chakour has his take on one of the most prevalent theories on seasonal joint pain. He explains that when barometric pressure falls, it can trigger inflammation in tendons and muscles in your joints.
This inflammation is the cause of seasonal joint pain. Meanwhile, lower temperatures can increase the thickness of fluids in your joints. This contributes to the overall feeling of “stiffness” that often accompanies seasonal joint pain.
Four Ways to Help Relieve Seasonal Joint Pain
Unfortunately, there’s no “silver bullet” remedy for seasonal joint pain. However, there are several different approaches to reducing or even eliminating the pain that arises from cold temperatures or changes in barometric pressure. You can try a single one of these remedies alone or use them in conjunction with one another for improved effectiveness.
- Keep Yourself Warm
If you notice that your joints start aching when it gets cold out, it makes sense to keep them warm, right? By removing the variable that triggers your pain in the first place, you may be able to find some relief.
You can apply this logic before exposure to cold, like bundling up in layers and using heavy gloves to protect your hands. In contrast, you can also apply heat to areas where you already feel joint pain to get some relief. Hot showers or baths can help, along with heating pads or an electric blanket.
- Get Exercise, Sleep, and Eat Right
One of the best ways to fight seasonal joint pain is by getting proper exercise, good sleep, and a healthy diet. Light exercise, like stretching or yoga, will help loosen your joints, easing pain. And using all of your joints regularly – especially your knees – ensures they work better in the long run. Use it or lose it rings true here.
A proper diet is also important but in a more subtle way. Eating right and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce any undue stress on your joints. After all, your joints have to support your body, and if they hurt, it makes sense to decrease the load they have to bear.
Finally, sleep is the time that your body can focus on mending itself. If you’re feeling seasonal joint soreness, getting enough sleep will help your body reduce some of the inflammation that’s causing your discomfort.
- Try Natural Remedies Like Turmeric
Humans have been looking for ways to relieve chronic pain since the beginning of recorded history. And while many natural folk remedies for pain are little more than old wives’ tales, some of them are actually quite effective.
Turmeric, for example, appears to demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties. One study conducted on rats by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health appears to prove that turmeric can reduce joint inflammation in mammals. Researchers believe that one specific compound present in turmeric, called curcumin, bears responsibility for these properties.
- Use Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Like NSAIDs
Many people are hesitant to use drugs – even over-the-counter ones – to alleviate their problems. After all, some medical companies don’t exactly have the best track records when it comes to actual patient health (take Martin Shkreli or Perdue Pharma, for instance).
But there’s a reason that the worldwide pharmaceutical industry makes trillions of dollars each year. Drugs work, and that’s especially true of medicine that we’ve had for a long time, like NSAIDs. Short for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs are a class of medicine that you can buy over-the-counter in any pharmacy in America. Aspirin and ibuprofen are both examples of NSAIDs.
NSAIDs can be an extremely effective way to combat seasonal joint pain. Just make sure you don’t overdo it. The Cleveland Clinic recommends capping NSAID use at 10 days unless your doctor specifically says otherwise. Since they can cause problems like stomach or bowel ulcers, you want to use them sparingly.
Easing Your Seasonal Joint Pain with CBD
CBD may be another possible remedy for seasonal joint pain. Studies have shown that CBD, like turmeric, appears to reduce inflammation.
How does it work? CBD sends messages throughout your body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, a subset of the central nervous system. One of the messages your body can send is to your immune system, telling it to reduce inflammation.
By reducing this inflammation, CBD may be able to help you overcome your seasonal joint pain and get back to doing your favorite winter activities. And if you’re looking for a reliable, quality source of premium CBD, choose Relive Everyday.
Start by browsing a selection of high-grade CBD edibles, tinctures, topicals, and more at our online store. For seasonal joint pain, we recommend trying one of our CBD-infused topicals. These ointments and cream can deliver quick relief for seasonal joint pain, allowing you to target specific regions of your body. With the right choices and a little help from Relive Everyday, you can overcome your seasonal soreness.