Happy New Year, everyone! Here’s hoping this New Year brings a lot of joy and harmony to your lives. We’re here to ensure that it also brings good health for you.
Read our three-part blog series to learn about some common issues to be aware of as the weather changes and brings in the snow (oh! so much snow!) with it.
Arthritis
A common condition that tends to flare up in the cold weather is arthritis. If you are someone who has been diagnosed with arthritis, now is the time for some extra TLC!
It is very important that you recognize the signs that your body is sending you. Stiffness and pain are some of the common symptoms that tend to increase in the cold.
Remember to follow these joint protection strategies:
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Avoid any prolonged position or posture.
For example, standing for too long or sitting in one position for too long can cause pain.
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Pace yourself.
It is very important to take enough rest between each task to allow your body to recover itself. For example, you have decided to make this huge dinner for family but your knee has been acting up. An effective way of going about that would be breaking down the tasks – cut some veggies – take a break – prepare for the cake – take a break – set the table – take a break.
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Plan your day.
This is extremely important, especially on the bad days. Plan your day to get the more important things done when you have the most energy and leave the least important job for later on. For example, you have to see your doctor AND your neighbor for tea in the same day. You decide what is more important to you on that given day and do that first.
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Avoid positions of pain.
For example, if you have a painful hip, use high chairs, avoid low stools, and use your prescribed adaptive equipment (cane, walker etc.)
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Be aware.
You know your body best, so don’t push yourself to the point of fatigue or pain. Stop before that sets in. Monitor your activities to know which ones cost you more energy, and then plan accordingly.
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Rest.
Take enough rest on days of flare up, especially in cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Remember, you are the best judge of what your body is feeling. Listen to what it’s telling you and empower yourself! For further assistance or education, make an appointment with
your friendly neighborhood Physiotherapist
.
If you have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis, you can visit a physiotherapist for a complete assessment and diagnosis. They will then formulate a treatment plan to control your symptoms and devise a home exercise program to help you remain active at home!
