CGH Medical Center issued the following announcement on Sept. 23.
The seasons are changing again. In many parts of the U.S., the weather is shifting from warm and dry to cold and wet. And some people with arthritis are about to experience a flare-up of symptoms.
But, wait: Isn't that an old wives' tale? Can some people with arthritis really tell when the weather is changing?
According to multiple studies, yes. For example, changes in barometric pressure—a measure of the weight of the air—has been found to affect arthritis symptoms. And research seems to agree that cold, wet weather is the worst for bringing on arthritis pain.
Not everyone with arthritis is sensitive to changes in the weather. But some people clearly are, says the Arthritis Foundation. And for those people, pain is in the forecast this time of year.
Here are some basic—but effective—ways to soothe your weather-related flare-ups:
Heat therapy
Start your day with a warm shower or bath to reduce stiffness in your joints.
Soak in a warm whirlpool.
Try a warm paraffin wax treatment system for hands or foot joints. You can find these products at drug or beauty supply stores.
Use a heating pad or an air-activated heat pack for up to 20 minutes at a time. (Always protect your skin with a cloth buffer when using hot or cold treatments.)
Apply mineral oil to your hands, then put on rubber dishwashing gloves and place your hands in hot tap water for 5 to 10 minutes.
Cold therapy
Wrap a bag of ice or frozen vegetables in a towel and apply it to painful areas for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
Use a store-bought gel cold pack. These don't leak, they tend to stay cold longer and they come in a sleeve form to more easily wrap around a joint.
You can make your own ice pack by mixing 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with 2 cups of water and freezing it in a zip-top plastic bag.
Submerge your joint in a bath of ice and water.
Other ways to reduce your pain
Elevate and support your arms or legs on pillows when you're sleeping.
Do some gentle exercises.
Eat well and get enough sleep.
Take breaks when performing any one task for a long time.
Ask for help when you need it.
Original source can be found here.
Source: CGH Medical Center
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