Do you know why joints and rheumatism are much more susceptible in winter? Let us find solutions to combat this, for example vitamins.
The cold and humidity are our daily routine during the winter. And we often find that winter helps to wake up, or even exacerbate rheumatism.
In fact, it is the differences in temperature, heat and cold that bother our joints. The cold will slow the circulation, the hot will "re-accelerate" it: these mini-shocks contribute for a large part to this phenomenon of joint pain.
But not only.
Firstly, in addition to the hot/cold difference mentioned above, this phenomenon is also explained by the slowing of metabolism during the winter season. In fact, during the latter, blood circulation slows down, the blood vessels being tightened by the cold phenomenon. This is when the organism enters hibernation mode.
This is a form of partial lethargy. Vital organs such as the brain are then irrigated as a priority. Other parts of the body, such as the trunk, arms and legs, along with the muscles and joints, are secondary and therefore slightly less irrigated.
What you need to know about rheumatic disorders
There are two kinds of rheumatism. Indeed, there are first of all individuals affected by cartilage degeneration (arthrosis) and those affected with more inflammatory rheumatisms.
For arthrosis, cold restricts the viscosity of the synovial fluid. In this way, the joints are much less well lubricated. Thus, friction pain increases.
In an "inflammatory" mode, pain and sensitivity generally decrease in extreme dry cold, such as in a cold chamber. On the contrary, moderate winter cold with high air humidity causes more pain. Apart from the quite abrupt variations in temperature (cold outside, hot inside), this is a phenomenon that does not really have an explanation.
The vitamins to help the joints!
Regardless of the type of rheumatic concerns, the increase in pain is generally triggered as a result of a series of inflammations. It is important to know that inflammation is defined firstly by an increase in temperature in a specific area of the body and also by a rise in free radicals present in the tissues. These allow for the maintenance of inflammation as well as pain.
In addition, be aware that the absorption of a fairly high dose of free radical "sensors" such as vitamin E as well as vitamin C can help to reduce or alleviate the occurrence of pain.
The Swiss Society of Nutrition recommends that you eat five servings of fruit and vegetables and a handful of nuts and seeds every day. It also strongly recommends the consumption of complete products. Finally, the simultaneous intake of vitamin products should be seen with the treating physician to avoid any untimely overdose.
Exercise and warmth: what a good thing for your body!
Strangely enough, in order for joints and rheumatism to be less painful in winter, you first have to move regularly, despite the pain and cold of winter. This offers the possibility to restart the stimulation of the blood circulation and the synovial fluid present in all the joints.
If you choose to exercise in the gym, however, we advise you to turn to the offers of a fitness establishment or aquatic gymnastics. However, if you exercise outside, be sure to wear suitable clothes, gloves and a cap. Indeed, the joints must be perfectly kept warm, while not sweating.
Also in relation to joint pain, it is possible to remedy this by exposing the latter to mild heat, directly under the shower or in the bathtub. You can also use heating devices for small massages. If none of this provides the desired relief, then it is best to consult your doctor. In fact, be aware that the latter will help you to cope with cold and humid climates.
Our health advice: Articulations & Rheumatism:Why is it more painful in winter?
