Keep warm and well in the winter months

Most of us experience some sort of aches and pains throughout the winter months. But why do we get them and what can we do to help prevent this happening?

So, why do aches and pains get worse in cold weather? Winter can be a difficult time, not only for people who suffer from conditions such as arthritis.

When we are cold, our body restricts how much blood it sends around extremities, like our hands and feet, so that it can focus on supplying vital organs like the heart and lungs.

This means that we lose less heat from blood circulating near the surface of the skin, but it also means the joints get less blood and, for some, this can be painful.

Here are three top tips to prevent these aches and pains getting the better of us.

• Exercise – It’s important to exercise the joints. Build the amount you do. If you can't manage 30 minutes, says NHS Choices, break it up into 10-minute chunks. Make sure you warm up first and don’t overdo it.
• Keep warm and dry – This helps to circulate blood to all parts of the body, so wrap up warm and make the most of the sun. Sunlight not only stimulates the Vitamin D in your body but also warms you up which in turn can lead to improved blood circulation.
• Eat well and keep hydrated – Some research has found oily fish or cod liver oil tablets, green tea, olive oil, vitamin C and ‘super berries’ can help reduce inflammation around the joints and even play a role in preventing cartilage from breaking down.

People drink less in the winter.

Not drinking enough water can make you feel achy because it keeps your body from effectively processing waste products.

When aches and pains in your hip or knee occur, it’s tempting to just live with the discomfort.

But if after a couple of weeks the pain is still there it may be wise to speak with your GP as it could be a sign of arthritis, underlying damage from an injury or rarely an infection. Likewise, if the pain is getting worse and you’re having difficulty with everyday activities, for example walking, going upstairs or leaning forwards when sitting or if you feel feverish or unwell, or you’ve been losing weight, go and talk to your GP.

If you have a type of arthritis that can cause permanent joint damage, getting treatment quickly can help preserve joint function and prevent other serious health problems.

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