Last week’s chilly weather and snow in Virginia Beach might have had more than just your fingers freezing—it may have made your joints ache too. If you’ve noticed more stiffness or pain in your knees, hands, or other joints, you’re not imagining things. Many people feel joint pain when it gets cold, and science explains why.
Why Do Joints Hurt More in Cold Weather?
One reason your joints may hurt in the cold is because the drop in temperature and pressure outside can affect the pressure in your joints. When it’s cold, the fluids in your joints may thicken, making it harder for them to move smoothly. This can lead to stiffness and discomfort.
Another reason is that cold weather can make your muscles tighten up. When your muscles aren’t as loose, they don’t support your joints as well, and this can lead to more pain. Blood flow also slows down in colder weather, which can make joint pain worse.
Finally, if you have arthritis, cold weather might make it feel worse because it causes inflammation in the joints to increase.
How to Reduce Joint Pain in Winter
If the cold weather is making your joints ache, don’t worry—there are ways to feel better. Here are some tips:
1. Stay Warm: Dress in layers and wear gloves and warm socks to protect your hands and feet. Heating pads or warm baths can also help soothe achy joints.
2. Keep Moving: Staying active is one of the best ways to reduce joint pain. Even gentle activities like walking, yoga, or stretching can improve blood flow and keep your joints flexible.
3. Eat Well: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish or nuts, can help reduce inflammation. Staying hydrated is also important for joint health.
4. Try Physical Therapy: If joint pain makes it hard to move, physical therapy can help. A physical therapist can show you safe, easy exercises to build strength and flexibility. They’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your needs and keeps you active, even in colder weather.
Get Moving with Physical Therapy
If you’re unsure how to start exercising or worry that you’ll hurt yourself, physical therapy is a great solution. It’s designed to help people with joint pain move better and feel stronger. A physical therapist can guide you step-by-step, so you’ll feel confident about staying active, no matter the temperature outside.
Don’t let the cold keep you down! By staying warm, moving more, and asking for help if you need it, you can keep joint pain in check this winter.
If you or someone you know is interested in physical therapy, come see one of our experienced clinicians at Restorative Therapy Co. and get relief from your symptoms! For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 757-578-2958, visit www.restorativetherapyco.com or email us at info@restorativetherapyco.com. We are participating providers with a variety of insurance plans and no physician referral is needed for your initial physical therapy evaluation! We want to help you feel well and be well.
Contributed by Britni Maher, PT, DPT, MTC, CMTPT
Britni earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine in 2012.
Her areas of focus include manual therapy, dry needling, orthopedics, pre and post-surgical and spinal rehab. Britni is a Virginia Beach local. When she’s not working with her patients, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and chasing her dogs at the beach.
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