Cooler temperatures may bring relief and comfort, but not for those suffering from arthritis pain. No matter which type you have, arthritis pain tends to get worse as temperatures drop.
Dr. Escobar, a pain management expert in Pembroke Pines, shares some easy-to-follow tips for managing arthritis pain when the weather gets colder.
1. Use hot compress to relieve pain.
If you don’t want to rely on medication for pain relief, you can always use heat. At Dr. Escobar’s pain management clinic in Pembroke Pines, patients are encouraged to take a warm bath or bath to relieve morning joint stiffness.
Have a reliable heating pad readily available at the drug store ready to use when you need quick relief. The heating pad is easy to use and can be heated in the microwave. Just make sure to wrap it in a towel before placing it on your skin to avoid scalding or burning.
You can also soak your hands in warm water for five minutes to soothe stiff hands. For better results, apply some mineral oil on your hands and put on dishwashing gloves.
2. Even indoors, dress warmly and stay active.
Wear appropriate clothing and coverings when you feel cold. Wear comfortable clothing to stay warm, and don’t forget to cover your hands, feet, ears, and head to keep your body warm.
Even if you spend most of your time indoors during the colder months, you still have to aim for an active life. Try low-impact exercise or stretching every day to relax your joints and muscles.
3. Maintain a balanced diet.
It’s easy to overeat during this cold season, but try to stick to or maintain a balanced diet to avoid triggers that may irritate your joints. Try to incorporate vitamin D-rich foods (such as beef liver, egg yolks, cheese, and salmon) into your diet whenever possible, as research shows that vitamin D deficiency can increase the severity of arthritis attacks and pain.
According to the National Institutes of Health, people ages 19 to 70 must consume 600 IU of vitamin D daily, while those over 71 must consume 800 IU of vitamin D daily.
One of the best ways to relieve arthritis pain is with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This procedure uses your own platelets to promote natural healing for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis. One study shows that PRP can be effective in resolving pain caused by knee osteoarthritis.
If you have been suffering from arthritis pain, feel free to ask Dr. Escobar about Hollywood PRP. Dr. Escobar is a pain care specialist in Florida with many years of experience in pain management. His clinic offers comprehensive interventional pain management services. Our pain specialists are experts at performing procedures such as spinal cord stimulation, platelet-rich plasma injections, epidural steroid injections and other innovative techniques. All of these can help you reduce pain and restore your quality of life.
To learn more about pain management in Pembroke Pines, Aventura, and Hollywood, you can contact us at 954-322-8586. If you have any questions, please contact us.
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice and does not substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your health, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.
