This winter, you may be spending time shoveling the snow from your driveway. Although shoveling can be a painstaking process, it’s often a necessary part of the colder months. It’s important to be aware of how shoveling can lead to back pain, and how the cold weather can affect joint pain overall. This blog will explore how your joints are impacted by varying temperatures and which conditions can be worsened in the winter.
Visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Thornton for same-day acute injury treatment. Our team of licensed medical providers can examine your condition and determine the cause of your pain. Simply walk into the clinic today or reserve your spot online.
How are joints affected by cold weather?
There’s evidence to suggest cold weather can impact joints by causing muscle stiffness. This occurrence is caused by a thickening of joint fluid, specifically for those who have arthritis. Joint stiffness is characterized by a tightening of the muscles around the joints, leading to inflammation and pain.
Additionally, some studies show that barometric pressure can affect joint pain. During the winter, air pressure drops and therefore can cause muscles to expand. An increase in pressure on the muscles makes it more painful for individuals to partake in active movement. This makes it all the more important to prioritize stretching before any high-impact activities, such as shoveling.
Which conditions can be worsened by colder temperatures?
Although anyone can experience joint pain from cold weather, some groups of people are at a greater risk for pain. These groups of people typically have underlying health conditions. Cold weather can affect conditions differently for each person, so it’s important to seek medical care if your joint pain lingers or worsens overtime. AFC Thornton can provide further insight about how cold weather may be affecting your health.
A few medical conditions that can be worsened include:
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Carpal tunnel
- Lupus
- Raynaud’s phenomenon
How to prevent and treat joint pain
Preventing joint pain before it happens is a crucial aspect to supporting your overall health and wellness throughout the year. Before you head out the door, make sure to dress warmly and wear layers to help keep your muscles warm when spending long periods of time in the cold. Additionally, before performing any physical activity, be sure to warm up with various stretches to get your joints moving. Regular stretching and routine exercise throughout the winter is beneficial for avoiding joint pain.
If your pain is affecting your daily routine, it’s advisable to seek professional care. Depending on the severity of your joint pain and which underlying conditions you’re diagnosed with, there may be treatment options available to help you find relief. Visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Thornton for a comprehensive physical exam in which a healthcare provider can evaluate your condition. The clinic is equipped with digital x-rays and on-site labs for accurate and efficient diagnoses.
If you have any additional questions about treating joint pain, or other urgent care services we provide, please contact the office directly at (720) 751-2910.
