There’s no doubt about it… the days are getting shorter, the nights are chillier and the leaves are becoming ever more acquainted with the floor; autumn is well and truly upon us. While conducting our hip replacement and knee replacement surgery in London we are increasingly aware that this time of year can become particularly agonising for those people with issues relating to their joints, such as arthritis. Arthritis can cause tremendous swelling and pain at the best of times, however the cooler weather can serve to bring out the worst of the inflammatory joint disorder. To help you tackle some of the worst of arthritis, we want to offer you some information to help you get through this autumn and winter.
Keep Active
It is understandable that you would want to remain still and rest during this time of year, particularly with joint pain possibly being at its worst. While it may not feel like it, it is important that you keep active to keep your joints lubricated and stretched. Keeping active will help to address some of the stiffness that you may be experiencing, as well as helping to build some tolerance in your joints and help to make them feel stronger.
Getting Cosy
While this may seem contradictory, both activity and staying warm and cosy are needed to give your joints the opportunity to stay healthy and exercised. The cold weather can serve to worsen the symptoms through causing connective tissue and muscle to seize up and stiffen, so when you’re in at night make sure you keep yourself warm! Wrap up warm, throw on extra layers and fill up on warm liquids, don’t let arthritis dictate what you can and can’t do this autumn.
Nutrition
It should go without saying, but if you keep up a healthy balanced diet you can really serve to relieve the pressure on your joints. Too much weight can really affect the amount of pain your joints experience, and can ultimately effect mobility. Tips like eating fish twice a week and consuming nuts and seeds helps to reduce inflammation and swelling, while dark and leafy vegetables contain a lot of antioxidants which help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
While these are great to help alleviate some of the pain and tension that is synonymous with arthritis, particularly in autumn and winter, sometimes the only solution can be to undergo our reliable and professional joint surgery. So, if you find that you are really struggling this autumn with the pain in your joints, then you shouldn’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team of professionals. We’re here for you, so contact us on 07943 947 639, where we’re always eager to help tackle whatever pain you may be experiencing.
