Winter weather can aggravate knee pain with colder temperatures increasing stiffness and inflammation in your joints. This can increase your risk for further injury and prevent you from enjoying your favorite activities. There are a few things you can do to get relief. Here are three tips to help you relieve your knee pain this winter.
Stretch and Strengthen with Exercise
Inactivity during the winter months can increase knee pain and stiffness. Regular exercise can help you improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles around your knees to minimize pain. You can also benefit from a boost in lubrication for joint cartilage and less pressure with weight loss. If your pain keeps you from being mobile, you can do stretching exercises in your chair. You may want to consult with a physical therapist or orthopedic specialist for recommendations on exercises you can do safely to relieve your knee pain this winter.
Keep Your Joints Warm
Another way you can relieve your knee pain this winter is to dress warmly in layers. Applying heat packs in intervals can also increase blood flow to reduce knee pain. Take a warm shower after spending time outdoors. Use heated blankets when sitting or lying down to keep the chill away from your joints. Compression wraps can be beneficial for trapping in heat to boost your circulation in colder weather.
Wear Supportive Shoes
During the winter, it is vital to wear supportive shoes with enough cushioning to protect your knees. If you are going outside, make sure your shoes have a non-slip grip to prevent falls on ice or snow. Avoid shoes that lift your feet off the ground like high heels. This can lessen the shock and pressure to reduce your knee pain throughout the winter season.
Cutting-Edge Knee Pain Treatments in New York
Knee pain can be debilitating and severely affect your quality of life during the winter. If you suffer from chronic pain, treatments are available to help you achieve long-lasting relief. Dr. Steven Struhl provides a comprehensive range of cutting-edge knee pain treatments for a wide variety of conditions. Call to request an appointment today.
