While the beginning of this winter provided sunny skies and warm temperatures, the colder weather is coming and quite possibly staying. With colder weather comes potential changes in pain. Many patients notice that their pain increases when the temperature drops or a storm comes in. While there is no one known cause to the changes in pain with new seasons, there are many possible explanations as to why. - It is known that a drop in barometric pressure causes the muscles, tendons, and tissues to expand. With this expansion, it causes more pressure on the surrounding tissues which could lead to increased pain.
- In the winter months, people tend to spend more time indoors and less time being active. Not only can this cause weight gain, but it also causes our muscles and joints to be less pliable and stiffer.
- Each season in Colorado brings on new activities. These activities can include skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, and shoveling. After months of not participating in these activities, your muscles and joints might be shocked by the new stresses put on them leading to new pains for the season.
What can help? - Wearing the proper clothing in the cold, whether you’re exercising outdoors or just going from one heated building to the next.
- Exercise to strengthen your muscles and bones! Proper strength training can lead to decreased pressure on your joints.
- Eat well and stay active. The winter weight gain causes increased pressure on your joints in everyday activities.
- Warm up before your activities! Allowing your muscles and joints to move before activities can help decrease risk of a new injury.
Take a peek at this video on proper ways to shovel this winter! If you are noticing a change in your pain with this colder weather, come visit one of our providers who can help you get out of pain and get back to your favorite winter activities! |