‘The Key is to Stay Healthy and Active’

During winter, many people living with osteoarthritis experience firsthand how cold weather may intensify their symptoms. Fortunately, there are steps people can take that may help ease those cold-related aches and pains, a Sports Medicine Physician with ThedaCare said.

“The colder the weather, the more likely you are to experience a flare-up of osteoarthritis symptoms,” said Dr. Andrew Leung, a Sports Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Orthopedic Care. “Understanding the potential effects of cold weather on osteoarthritis may help you take appropriate steps to better manage your symptoms effectively.”

Dr. Andrew Leung

Osteoarthritis, also referred to as OA, is a chronic, degenerative joint disease. It’s a common form of arthritis occurring when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wears down over time, eventually causing bones to rub against each other. This may result in pain and discomfort.

The condition can impact anyone, including children but it’s most common in older adults. 

“Cold weather doesn’t cause OA but it may make symptoms worse,” Dr. Leung said. “Weather-related flare-ups can happen for several reasons, including the fact that cold can make you generally more sensitive to pain.”

Symptoms of an OA Flare-Up

There are several signs indicating a person is experiencing an OA flare-up, Dr. Leung said. They include but aren’t limited to:

• Intensified joint pain
• Swelling in the joints or visible puffiness
• Significant joint stiffness, especially in the morning
• Difficulty completing simple, physical tasks or routine activities

 “The good news is there are measures people can take to ease cold-related aches and pains and even lessen the likelihood of flare-ups throughout winter,” Dr. Leung said. “The key is to stay healthy and active.”

 People living with OA may do this through a number of lifestyle changes, including maintaining their vitamin D levels, Dr. Leung said. Vitamin D offers bone health support among several other benefits.

 “In Wisconsin, it’s common to experience a vitamin D deficiency, particularly in the winter months,” he said. “Unfortunately, this deficiency may lead to bone loss that may contribute to OA symptoms.” 

He also encouraged healthy eating to help reduce inflammation.

“Nutritious foods, particularly those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as nuts, seeds and fatty fish, are great for fighting the inflammation that may cause flare-ups,” Dr. Leung said. “Also limit refined carbohydrates and sugar, which may increase inflammation.” 

Easing the Aches and Pains

Dr. Leung’s other suggestions for easing the cold-related aches and pains of OA include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight. “It’s particularly common to see greater pain in the spine, knees and hips when people are carrying extra weight, as the strain on these areas increases,” Dr. Leung said. “If you’re overweight, talk to your health care provider about your options for losing weight. Losing the extra weight may help improve your health in so many ways.”
• Moving and stretching regularly. “While it may be hard to think about exercise when you’re experiencing pain from a flare-up, getting regular physical activity is one of the best steps you can take to reduce joint pain,” Dr. Leung said. “Begin slowly with short periods of low-impact activity. It’s a good idea to speak with your health care provider before adding physical activity, particularly if you’ve been sedentary.”
• Paying attention when walking. “Falls may worsen joint damage,” Dr. Leung said. “Additionally, OA can alter your sense of balance. Watch icy areas and use the ‘penguin walk.’ In addition, always wear footwear that’s appropriate for the weather, such as heavy-soled boots.”
• Staying warm. “It may sound simple but keeping your body warm can help relax stiff joints,” Dr. Leung said. “That can mean wearing layers when you’re out and about or using an electric blanket or taking a warm bath when you’re at home.”

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects each person differently, Dr. Leung said.

“It can be relatively mild for some and cause pain and disability for others,” he said. “When it becomes necessary to seek medical assistance for osteoarthritis pain, our team can help by recommending treatments or changes to your lifestyle that may help you get through winter more comfortably.”

ThedaCare offers options for Orthopedic care. Visit ThedaCare Orthopedic Walk-in Care, to make an appointment or explore care options.

About ThedaCare

For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive health care system.