Winter is a tough time for those with arthritis, as the cold temperatures can worsen flare-ups and inflammation. If you are wondering how to help your loved one weather their arthritis this winter, here are nine ideas that can help — from wearing housecoats to stay warm inside to establishing an indoor exercise routine:
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Keep their home warm.
When it’s cold outside, staying warm inside becomes even more important. Make sure that the heater in your loved one’s home has been inspected and works properly. Placing heated mattress pads and blankets on the bed can help with early morning stiffness (not to mention they make great gifts!). Heating pads can also provide more targeted relief to problem areas such as knees and backs. They should also keep blankets and space heaters in rooms that they frequent so that they will always have what they need to stay warm.
Show them how to layer their clothes.
The clothes that you wear are one of the best ways to keep your core body temperature up and soothe arthritis symptoms. Your loved one should dress in multiple layers so they can add or shed them as needed to stay at the perfect temperature. Choose warm materials such as wool and fleece that will help keep their body insulated from the cold. Make sure that they have the proper outerwear for whatever winter climate they live in so they will be protected whenever they leave the house. Wearing shoes for swollen feet will prevent heat loss through the feet and reduce chances of falls as well.
Help them manage their stress.
Stress is a known cause of inflammation in the body, which can unfortunately contribute to an arthritis flare-up. Reach out to your loved one to see if there is anything you can do to help reduce stress on them this winter. For instance, maybe you can help with grocery runs in inclement weather, or set up a delivery service to bring them things so they don’t have to go out. Encourage them to take time to relax and de-stress on a daily and weekly basis.
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Make sure they get enough vitamin D.
Vitamin D is usually produced when the body absorbs sunlight, which is why our vitamin D levels can drop during the shorter days of winter. People with inflammatory forms of arthritis often find that their symptoms worsen when they have a vitamin D deficiency, which is why it’s so important to get enough vitamin D. Encourage your relatives to eat a diet rich in vitamin D and to consider supplements if they’re not getting enough through their diet. Their doctor can also test them to confirm a vitamin D deficiency if the dietary changes don’t make a difference.
Help them stay active indoors.
When people have arthritis, the last thing they usually want to do is move around. However, staying still will exacerbate any stiffness and make arthritis symptoms worse in the long run. Regular movement will help to improve strength, balance and flexibility, all of which will help arthritis and swollen feet in the elderly. Encourage them to do a mix of aerobic and strength training for the best results. If they are used to exercising outside, they may need to move inside during the winter and find alternatives that won’t expose them to ice and snow.
Check on their diet.
What we eat and drink is another contributing factor to inflammation in our body, and it can contribute to arthritis flare-ups. Foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats are known for worsening arthritis, as are heavily processed packaged foods (which often contain a lot of sugar and unhealthy fats). Encourage your loved ones to indulge in moderation and to focus on eating a balanced diet that is rich in lean proteins, fruits and vegetables and whole grains instead of these inflammatory ingredients.
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Reduce their chances of getting sick.
People with autoimmune forms of arthritis are more susceptible to getting sick and often experience heightened symptoms when they do contract the flu, pneumonia or another infectious disease. Encourage your loved one to get their yearly flu vaccine and to stay current with other vaccines as well. They should stay away from people who are coughing, sniffling or otherwise exhibiting symptoms of an infectious disease. If they do get sick, they should stay home and focus on resting and recovering to keep their symptoms from being aggravated.
Invest in assistive devices.
While you might not know it, there are tons of assistive devices designed specifically for people with arthritis — from ergonomic door knob grips to compression gloves to automatic jar openers. Investing in these devices can make it easier for your loved one to continue their daily life even in the midst of an arthritis flare-up. If they don’t already have these, then do some research and give them a few devices that will help with their most troublesome activities.
See a doctor if necessary.
Arthritis flares do tend to get worse in the winter, but if your loved one is in a lot more pain than usual, there might be a greater underlying cause besides the weather. If their symptoms are really bad and at-home solutions aren’t alleviating it, then encourage them to go to the doctor to see if something else is going on. Lifestyle changes can make a difference in arthritis symptoms, but sometimes you need a medical expert to help you figure out what is going on.
Winter can make arthritis worse, but it’s not a lost cause. Follow these tips to help your loved ones manage arthritis flare-ups during winter and feel better during the colder months.
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