3 Secret Weapons Against Orthopedic Pain Caused By The Cold

Many people will confirm that cold and rainy weather increases joint pain. How many times have you heard someone say, “my knee tells me when it’s going to rain?” The reason for this has to do with the change in barometric pressure in the air. When the temperature falls outside, or when it is raining, the level of barometric pressure drops and can influence joint pain, making it worse.

Several theories exist as to why these weather changes affect joint pain. One theory involves the expansion and contraction of tissues. Another theory suggests that lower temperatures may contribute to a thickening of fluids within the joints which makes them stiffer.

Below are some tips that can help combat these weather-induced increases in joint pain.

Compression

Compression gloves and socks can be a lifesaver for some experiencing cold-induced joint pain. As well as providing extra warmth, compression places pressure on the joint, preventing most of the expansion and contraction due to the weather changes.

Compression gloves or stockings add a layer of support and padding to your vulnerable joints. Compression garments can be worn indoors, outdoors, and between doors. You can wear them anywhere, anytime, even during sleep!

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

It has been known for ages that the foods we put in our bodies can have a significant impact on joint pain. Specific foods help minimize inflammation, acting as an anti-inflammatory agent in your body.

Pumpkin, nuts and seeds, and sweet potatoes are an orthopedist’s top picks for anti-inflammatory foods. These foods are packed with anti-inflammatory substances, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids that all combat inflammation.

With regards to nuts and seeds, your best options for fighting inflammation are almonds, walnuts, pine nuts and flax and chia seeds. Almonds and cashews provide an extra punch of magnesium that helps with nighttime leg cramps. Almonds and walnuts boost calcium levels that will help protect your muscles and bones.

MACI Procedure

Despite your best efforts, sometimes people will have a nagging pain in their joints that just won’t go away and needs more involved treatment. This is particularly true of the knee joint. If this is you, the MACI Procedure may be a wonderful option to eliminate that pain.

Most pain in the knee is caused by cartilage damage. MACI is a treatment for knee pain that specifically targets cartilage damage. The procedure consists of a stem cell procedure that uses cartilage cells from your own body extracted from a non-weight-bearing area of the knee. These cartilage cells are specially treated to grow new tissue and then used to replace or cover the area of damage.

This procedure is wildly successful in reducing knee pain and has a shorter recovery period than other, more invasive surgeries on the knee.

Contact Dr. Burke Orthopedics

Here at Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we will determine the root cause of your joint pain and offer guidance on the best way to treat it. Schedule a consultation with us by calling (713) 436-3488.