The Science Behind Joint Stiffness and Cold Weather

Some of us have had the misfortune of aging. One of the worst things behind the agin process is the wear and tear that the body goes through. Due to the constant motion they go through, joints suffer that wear and tear seemingly more than anything else, and cold weather can really effect that. So lets dive into what cold weather does to the joints and things we can do to prevent further issues.

Why does cold weather mess with our joints? Firstly, our joints have a fluid that acts like motor oil for our car engines. It's called synovial fluid and it's job is to lubricate our joints so they move smoothly. But cold weather thickens that fluid, making it less effective. On top of that, cold weather can reduce blood flow to the joint. So what can we do to prevent cold weather joint problems?

The first and most obvious thing is to get warm. Put on layers, and if you know your joints deal with cold weather stiffness, then focus on keeping that joint warm. Second, keep it moving. Doing exercises that work on your joints like swimming, yoga or bike riding will keep your joints active. Finally, wear some supportive attire. Compression clothing can help support your joints. If you have any questions or need to book an appointment with us please call at (918) 994-4000.

A person seated on a sofa holds their ankle, suggesting discomfort in the joint.