Southern California may lack the snow and drastically cold temperatures of some parts of the United States but even its relatively cooler and wetter days and nights during the winter can cause an increase in discomfort — and not just from having to wear additional layers of clothing.
Winter weather can worsen arthritis symptoms in the feet, ankles, and throughout the body for a number of reasons. The good news is that simple steps can help relieve some of this pain even when the weather is not cooperating.
Our expert podiatric surgeons at Advanced Care Foot and Ankle in Corona and Ontario, California, treat everything from arthritis and injuries to calluses, ingrown toenails, and more. We provide state-of-the-art care and personalized treatment plans while teaming up as partners with our patients to ensure as smooth and successful a recovery as possible.
While a person's arthritic reaction to weather is individualized and not everyone experiences problems in winter, many claim to know a storm is coming because of discomfort in their joints. Others simply experience more pain at this time of year.
There are several reasons why this occurs.
Barometric pressure measures how much the air in the atmosphere presses down on the Earth. The typical weight is 14.7 pounds per square inch (or psi) but changes in weather cause this number to climb up and drop down.
Pressure typically decreases when the weather worsens, which translates to less force against our bodies. This can cause expansion of the muscles and tendons, leaving less space in the joint and leading to more pain. Tissues in the body can also slightly swell and result in irritation in the joints.
Often, the more sudden the pressure drops, the more significant the discomfort.
Cold weather itself can stiffen muscles, ligaments, and joints and make them more painful. Cold weather and pressure changes can also cause the oily synovial fluid that lubricates the joints to become sludgier and prevent them from moving as smoothly.
There are multiple ways to support the joints during periods of cold and unsettled weather. These include:
Whether it's wearing layers outside, curling up with a heating pad, or taking a hot bath, keeping warm can help decrease joint stiffness.
Even if gloomy weather makes exercise less appealing, be sure to get regular physical activity. This helps loosen joints, increase energy, and improve strength and flexibility. An added bonus is the endorphins it releases that can help decrease pain.
Especially in winter, with less sunlight and time outside, many people experience a drop in their vitamin D levels. Consider getting tested and supplementing as needed.
Eating a healthy diet can reduce inflammation, strengthen bones, and improve the immune system. This means both eating good-for-you foods like those with omega-3 fatty acids and avoiding unhealthy choices with sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Keeping weight in the proper range can also help decrease pain since extra pounds mean more pressure placed on the joints.
Whether you have arthritis symptoms that are acting up as winter approaches or are experiencing another problem with your foot or ankle, we can work with you to increase your mobility and decrease your pain. Click to book an appointment or call the Corona office at 951-735-8806 or the Ontario office at 909-983-5710 today.