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Manav Mander,Tribune News Service,Ludhiana, January 4

With drop in temperature and atmospheric pressure, cases of knee and other joint pains increase in winters. Conditions become difficult for those who suffer from arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.The pain is due to swelling in body parts which results in constriction of blood vessels caused by lower blood circulation.City hospitals have witnessed a 10-20 per cent increase in OPD visits by patients complaining of joint pains and inflammatory conditions.“We have witnessed around 10-20 per cent surge in patient turnout with the symptoms related to different kinds of arthritis. With the onset of winters, the patients complaining of joint pain increases,” said head of department of orthopaedics at a local hospital.“Patients should take precautions early as a number of factors lead to increased joint pain and aches during winters. People choose to stay indoors which leads to deficiency of vitamin D due to less exposure to sunlight and this often leads to increased pain. There is also lack of exercise among patients during winter,” said city-based ortho specialist, Dr Harman Arora.Eating habits tend to change during winters as people resort to comfort foods. Increased weight would mean more pressure on the knees and hips which will eventually lead to joint pains in patients of osteoarthritis,” added he.Experts said it has been medically established that if a patient of osteoarthritis gains one kilogram weight, it will put thrice the usual pressure on the patient’s knees and six times the pressure on the patient’s hips.Doctors advise that patients should take precautions early so that the pain does not get worse with the progress of winters.

Tips for managing arthritis

As it gets colder outside, you may not be able to get the exercise you used to from activities like walking or gardening. However, it is important to keep exercising a little every day.
Every time you take a step the pressure across your knees is three to four times your body weight. We all know it is hard to lose weight, but even losing three pounds of weight can take about nine to 12 pounds of pressure off your knees when you walk.
Keep your aching joints warm during the winter months. Warm baths are beneficial in keeping your joints warm as well as relieving you from the stiffness and pain of arthritis.
We need calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones. To make vitamin D we need sunshine which will be hard to find in the upcoming months.