If you’re a joint pain sufferer, you may have noticed that the onset of wintery, cold and wet weather can make joints ache more than usual, adding an extra burden on top of the miserable conditions – although it’s not precisely clear why this happens.
50 Plus reports that Consultant Rheumatologist Dr Rod Hughes says; “People who suffer from arthritis may experience increased pain and stiffness during colder months. This may be because low barometric pressure has a physical impact on the joints or that it encourages inflammation making joint movement more painful.
In addition, during cold weather, the body focuses on circulating blood around the core and major organs and away from muscles and joints. As a result, the joints may seem less flexible.’’ For joint pain sufferers looking for a solution to their winter joint pain, a clinically backed compound may offer hope. There is a large body of evidence supporting the use of GOPO® – a natural anti-inflammatory compound derived from rose-hip – to reduce joint pain (see www.gopo.co.uk).
Dr Hughes’ tips on managing joint pain;
1. Over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements and other complementary medicines are increasingly popular amongst people with arthritis and a wide range of options are available. Ensure you choose one with published clinical evidence, and make sure you are aware of any risks if taking long term. A promising natural option which research suggests has significant anti-inflammatory and clinical benefits – potentially
even helping cartilage and joint tissues to rebuild and regeneratex – is GOPO®, a galactolipid derived from rosehip.
2. It’s extremely important to keep active if you can. Take regular, gentle exercise like walking, swimming and yoga to keep your joints, the supporting muscles and ligaments strong and supple. This can help improve the range of movement of your joint, reduce stiffness and help with energy levels. Exercise and eating a healthy balanced diet will also help in maintaining your ideal body weight, as being overweight places additional strain on the
joints.
3. Don’t forget to look after your mental health. Living with joint pain has been associated with increased prevalence of depression, so if you notice you are feeling low or are worried about your mood you can seek support from your GP or healthcare professional. Charities such as Arthritis Research UK
can also offer help and advice.
(Story source: 50 Plus)
