One in three Australians have joint pain due to musculoskeletal conditions, with arthritis being the most common cause. Around 3.6 million Australians have arthritis, and this number is expected to rise to 5.4 million by 2030. Cold weather is a factor that can exacerbate joint pain, but other factors such as sleep, mood, physical activity, and vitamin D levels can also contribute. Physical activity is an effective way to improve joint function, strength, and mobility, but pain can be a barrier to exercise. Our brain’s warning system for pain can become unhelpful and set off false alarms, leading to avoidance of physical activity and worsening pain. Seasonal changes can also affect physical activity levels, with colder months leading to less movement and potentially more joint pain.
According to a report from a recent article on Miragenews, one in three Australians suffer from joint pain caused by musculoskeletal conditions, with arthritis being the most common cause. The number of Australians with arthritis is projected to rise from 3.6 million to 5.4 million by 2030. For some people, joint pain seems to worsen during the colder months, making it difficult to exercise and engage in physical activities. However, an active lifestyle could actually ease joint pain, According to a report from experts.
The article features insights from three authors: Charlotte Ganderton, Senior Lecturer (Physiotherapy) at RMIT University; Inge Gnatt, Lecturer (Psychology) and Provisional Psychologist at Swinburne University of Technology; and Matthew King, Lecturer, Research Fellow, and Physiotherapist at La Trobe University. They suggest that temperature is just one factor that can impact perceptions of greater pain during winter. Other factors include sleep, behavioural patterns, mood, and physical activity.
Physical activity is one of the best treatments to increase function, strength, and mobility while improving quality of life. It also promotes mental and physical health and reduces the risk of other chronic diseases. However, pain can be a barrier to exercise and activities that people would usually do. The authors suggest that people with joint pain should not let the fear of worsening their condition prevent them from engaging in physical activity.
The brain is like an inbuilt alarm system that warns us about impending danger or harm. However, it is not always a reliable indicator of actual damage or trauma to the skin, muscle, or bone. In some cases, this warning system can become unhelpful by setting off “false alarms.” Joint pain and stiffness can also appear to worsen during colder weather, prompting fears that people could make it worse if they undertake or overdo movement. This can result in people avoiding physical activity, even when it would be beneficial, which can worsen the pain.
The authors also note that seasons can affect how much physical activity people get. During summer months, warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and people getting outdoors more tend to elicit a positive outlook, a lift in mood, and a burst of physical activity to fulfill New Year’s resolutions. Cooler months can mean a decline in physical activity and more time being cozy indoors. A reduction in movement and less exposure to light may evoke higher levels of joint pain and can be associated with a reduction in As the final analysis health.
When all is said and done, an active lifestyle could ease joint pain in cold weather. While temperature is one factor that can impact perceptions of greater pain during winter, other factors such as sleep, behavioural patterns, mood, and physical activity also play a role. The brain’s warning system is not always reliable, and people with joint pain should not let the fear of worsening their condition prevent them from engaging in physical activity. By maintaining an active lifestyle, people can increase function, strength, and mobility while improving their As the final analysis health and quality of life.
