Cold weather, like the wave that North India is dealing with right now, can cause muscles to tense, which can lead to less mobility and flexibility in the joints.
If you are someone who suffers from stiff joints and pain in winters, here are a few tips to bring some respite.
Dress warm: The cold weather requires wearing warm clothes. So, make sure to dress in layers when going out. Thermals are a must. Cover yourself in warm blankets and keep yourself cozy while at home. Warm water soothes stiff joints too.
Exercise: Regular exercise builds up muscle and bone strength to protect the joints. Moving also ensures better mobility and prevents joints from becoming stiff and painful.
Hydration: Drinking water is a must during the dry, cold winter months as we don’t realise how much water we are losing. Dehydration can increase joint pain and also cause muscle cramping.
Maintain weight: The holiday season can lead to consumption of unhealthy food that can have an impact on your weight. Increased body weight can put unnecessary stress on the joints as well.
Calcium-rich diet: Focus on a diet rich in calcium that includes dairy foods, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and fish. This will keep your muscles and bones strong which in turn will protect the joints.