Older adults often experience an increase in joint pain in the winter. Here are some tips to help reduce this pain:
Include low impact exercises, such as stretching, water aerobics or yoga, to your daily routine.
Weight loss. Extra weight can cause additional pressure on joints, which increases arthritis pain.
Utilize joint protection techniques. (Your therapist can help you with education on these).
If it is safe, take warm baths.
Wear moisture wicking clothing. Layer up when going outside.
Increase healthy eating habits.
Visit your doctor for checkups including lab values to ensure levels, including Vitamin D, are optimal.
Reduce the ability for falls; remove clutter from floors, have proper light, and wear supportive non-slip footwear.
If performing maintenance outside during the winter, such as shoveling, stretch prior to task, push rather than lift, and bend at your knees and lift with your lower body.
These tips, along with meeting with one of our therapists at Home Connection Therapy, can help relieve some pain during the colder months! Give us a call today at (616) 207-3861 or send us a message, to see how we can help you or your loved one, when it comes to arthritis pain.
Resources utilized in post: https://www.umh.org/assisted-independent-living-blog/beating-winter-joint-pain-tips-for-seniors-and-caregivers
Comments