When the temperature begins to cool, many people start to experience problems with their physical health. There is a common belief that people with joint issues can predict impending cold weather. If you suffer from joint or knee pain, the cold weather can exacerbate the symptoms.

Many people seek chiropractic care during winter as they experience increased joint stiffness and pain. Find out how chiropractic care can relieve knee pain in cold weather.

Weather and Joint Pain

Joint pain can worsen in cold weather as joints become irritated or inflamed. During cold weather, there is a drop in barometric pressure, which can cause the joints to expand. This exerts additional pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing inflammation.

Temperature drops can also cause the fluid to be more viscous, which affects the free flow and prevents proper function. This can increase pain and sensitivity. Reduced activity during cold weather also contributes to the stiffening of joints.

Signs of Knee or Joint Inflammation

Some signs can indicate you need treatment for your joints. They include:

 

• Constant fatigue
   

• Increased stiffness
   

• Joint swelling and tenderness
   

• Discomfort
   

• Pain in the joint
   

• Limited motion
   

• Cracking or grinding sound
   

• Weakness or instability

Getting Chiropractic Care for Knee Pain

You can benefit from chiropractic care if your joint knee pain is due to poor posture, misalignment, or overuse. Soft tissue therapy and chiropractic manipulations can help reduce joint misalignments and restrictions.

The treatment can help relieve painful symptoms and reduce inflammation. It can also help restore the range of motion in the knee. During the consultation, the chiropractor will determine the underlying cause of the pain and create a treatment plan.

Ways to Alleviate Joint Pain in Winter

There is nothing you can do about the weather, but you can reduce your risk of suffering from joint pain. Simple things you can do include:

 

• Stay hydrated. Most people reduce their water intake during cold weather. Drinking more water throughout the day will help improve your physical health.
   

• Bundle up or wear layers of clothing every time you go out. It will help you stay warm regardless of your environment or activities.
   

• Increase your intake of fish oil and vitamin D. The supplements will help boost your body strength, reduce inflammation, and reduce your sensitivity to joint pain.
   

• To soothe and relax the muscles and joints, apply heat to your body by taking warm baths. As a bonus, schedule aerobic exercise in a heated pool during winter.
   

• Avoid knee pain by stretching and performing light exercises. Walk or stretch for about 20 minutes each day to avoid getting stiff.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

There are good reasons to visit a chiropractor to get help for your knee pain. The chiropractor will help keep your spine perfectly aligned, allowing the joints to handle more pressure and heat. The treatment helps keep you flexible and limber, minimizing discomfort from reduced activity.

Chiropractors use different techniques to treat joint and soft tissue problems. They include spinal manipulation, joint mobilization, heat/cold therapy, massage and stretching, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), low-level laser, and ultrasound. After an examination and diagnosis, the chiropractor will devise a customized treatment plan for effective management.

For more about chiropractic care, visit M Powered Chiropractic at our office in Georgetown, Texas. Call (512) 548-4355 to book an appointment today.