Have your joints been feeling a little extra achy lately?
As we turn the corner from fall to winter, temperatures are dropping, and many more individuals are complaining of joint stiffness. Some people may think it is due to the body feeling the effects of the changes in barometric pressure which may make your tendons expand and contract.
For others as we age there are more complaints of joint stiffness. The amount of lubricating fluid or synovial fluid decreases while cartilage also becomes thinner. The amount of lubricating fluid or synovial fluid decreases while cartilage also becomes thinner.
Cartilage is a tough and flexible connective tissue, with a high composition of water and a gel like substance called the matrix. It helps with joint motion by covering the bone surfaces of our joints and providing cushion to the bones when impact and force is exerted.
Ligaments also lose their flexibility and ability to expand with aging making joints feel sore and stiff.
Conditions that cause joint stiffness include
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Gout
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis
- Lupus
- Fibromyalgia
- Bone cancer
- Diabetes
Try the below steps to alleviate some of this pain:
🧣Dress for the cold weather with layers and insulated workout gear to keep your joints warmed up!
Stretch in the mornings before and after exercise. I love PLANKING to start of my stretching routine
- Keep your body moving
- Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise
- Get a full night’s sleep.
Some people will try supplements like Glucosamine or take anti-inflammatory medications like Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs like Naproxen or Ibuprofen.