The condition, which also causes tenderness and stiffness, restricted movements of the joints, warm red skin over the joints and sometimes weakness and muscle wasting, most often develops in adults who are in their late 40s or older.  Notably, it is also more common in women and people with a family history of the condition.

 

There are different types, but the most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. As people age, the cartilage that cushions the joints gradually wastes away, leading to painful rubbing of bone on bone.

 

In some instances, injury to a joint can also trigger osteoarthritis, even many years later.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the joints. The joints and inflamed tissues then become stiff, painful and swollen.

 

Some develop reactive arthritis after catching a viral infection such as the flu. This usually clears up on its own, but can last for months.

 

However, some people suffering from arthritis don’t look forward to the cold weather. They are of the view that the symtoms of arthritis such as the pain and swelling in their joints tend to worsen with cold seasons.

 

Nonetheless, researchers have said that weather plays no part in the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis even though people with the health problem report that their symptoms get far worse in cold seasons.

 

“Many people believe that pain and joint stiffness increases with cold season, but scientifically there is no scientific evidence to back this view,” said Dr Michael Okunola, a consultant, orthopaedics and trauma surgeon, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

 

Although there is no direct relationship between cold weather and an exacerbated arthritis, Dr Okunola stated that there are a number of postulations or theories why cold weather may cause joint pain.

 

According to him, “One theory being proposed is that during cold weather, the atmospheric pressure is reduced and that allows the joint structures to swell. And then there is increased pain from the nerve supply to the joint.

 

“The other proposed theory is that during cold weather, the sympathetic nerves respond in such a way that the blood vessels in the limbs and generally in the body constrict to minimise heat loss and to keep warm the core of the body, where vital organs are.

 

“But the increased activation of these nerves in response to cold weather might also lead to an increase in the pain intensity a person feels around his joints.”

 

Moreover, the expert explained that in cold weather, there is less of activity.

 

He added, “if there are instances when you do not move your joints regularly, the symptoms tend to accentuate the pain and stiffness because one of the ways of reducing symptoms is to keep moving your joints and that is why regular exercise is advocated for persons with arthritis.”

 

Mood changes occurs more in cold season, and therefore, the brain can misinterpret it and then pass wrong signals to the joints and that may increase the symptoms.

 

Ultimately, “the fact that when it is cold and rainy outside, people tend to stay indoors more and the level of activity is reduced allows their minds and attention to be more on the pain and stiffness in their limbs. So, they may feel that their joint is giving them more pains,” he added.

 

There are measures, though, that can further protect the joints during colder months. Some are related to exercise; others are precautions to consider that can help to avoid joint pain during colder months.

 

Dr Okunola added: “From onset, you should have a positive mind that your quality of life can be better, that you can leave with it successfully. This is to be coupled with regular prescribed exercise, being active, taken enough water to be properly hydrated and keeping weight under control.

 

“There are some other medications they have to take such as pain killer, but they need to seek medical assistance for the management of the pain.”

 

Pain is a protective mechanism to stop further damage, but arthritic pain doesn’t mean you should dive for the duvet and quit exercising altogether.

 

Remaining active is vital. Regular movement can help relieve ankle, knee, hip, or shoulder pain with joint pain. It keeps the joints supple, thus reducing pain, stiffness and helping to extend the possible range of motion.

 

By bundling up the affected joint with say a bandage, he added may be helpful for some cases of arthritis. Most importantly, “you must consult the appropriate medical personnel, but demobilising the joint per say may not be the appropriate treatment because every patient has peculiar pattern of disease for which the treatment may not be applicable to other patients,” he declared.

 

But, he pointed out that in some types of arthritis, bundling up the affected joint ensures the body is kept warm, including the affected joint.

 

“As a theory proposed, cold weather, the vessels around the joints are constricted, so if the joint is kept warm or generally you keep your body warm and you are active, this will increase blood supply to the joint and as such there may be some benefits.”

 

Meanwhile, other myths experts have dispelled include normal exercising like  jogging can cause arthritis, all varieties of arthritis worsens with age, eating acidic foods, such as oranges or tomatoes could make arthritis worse as well as red wine is protective against arthritis.

 

 

Source:MWN