Sydney Spine & Sports Clinic

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How to reduce joint pain in winter

That brisk winter chill in the air is back. With it can come the onset of seasonal joint pain. Achy knees, ankles and shoulders being the most common. Although pain in these joints can be a sign of an injury or underlying condition, it can also be the result of the cooler climate. If this is something that you don’t usually experience and would like to find out how to reduce your discomfort, read on. 

Winter wills joint pain on

 Although there aren’t any specific studies to prove it, there are a couple of theories about why the joints in your arms and legs ache more in winter. One argument is that during the cooler months your body is conserving heat, prioritising it to your organs, and ultimately causing stiffer joints. Another is that the drop in atmospheric pressure puts more weight on your tendons and muscles, causing pain. Regardless of the scientific cause, we do know that the change in temperature amounts to low-level discomfort for many who don’t usually suffer from this issue. 

Tips to reduce winter aches

 In a nutshell: keep warm! It’s the weight-bearing joints of your body that usually suffer in winter, so the best thing to do is to try and keep toasty. For example:

  • Warm up properly before you exercise outdoors. Wear appropriate clothing so you don’t get cold.

  • Reduce stiffness with stretching. Keep limber by completing stretches regularly and always as part of your exercise cool down.

  • If it’s particularly cold outside, workout indoors.

  • Keep your body in good nick by maintaining a healthy weight, getting a good amount of sleep, and avoiding unnecessary strain during daily activities.

 

Still in pain?

 As chiropractors, we can help treat a wide range of joint concerns such as shoulder, jaw, knee, ankle, hip, finger and more. Utilising the latest techniques, we will investigate the source of your pain and design a treatment plan to help you get ‘back on your feet’ again.

Learn More

 At Sydney Spine and Sports Clinic, we put you first. We believe in offering chiropractic care that enables you to make informed and educated choices about your health. If you are suffering pain and would like to talk to us about how we can help you get mobile and active again – get in touch right here.