AS THE TEMPERATURE DROPS, JOINT ACHES RISE Ways to Avoid Winter Joint Pain
Winter is often the season of pain for people with arthritis. The exact science behind the connection between joint pain and cold temperatures is unknown, but there’s no doubt symptoms can worsen during the chilly season. If you’ve noticed an increase in joint pain during these colder months, here are a few things you can do to relieve your symptoms. Start by accepting that the discomfort associated with winter is real. Once the weather turns chilly or rainy, patients all over the country seek treatment. One likely reason is that the synovial lining of the joints, which is filled with fluid that bathes joints and keeps cartilage healthy, reacts to barometric and temperature changes. The good news is that there are ways to protect vulnerable joints as the weather grows cold. Try to maintain your level of movement, especially on those really chilly days. Staying active is better for function and mobility. Cutting down on activity only leads to decreased range of motion and more joint pain. Additionally, many of the people who become less active in the winter tend to put on a few pounds, which can also increase pain. Another way to protect your joints is by dressing warmly. Added layers keep the core body temperature warm, which in turn keeps your joints warm. Be sure to add some gloves, scarves, warm boots, and long johns to your wardrobe to protect your skin and joints from exposure to the cold.
Lastly, stretching is key to staying pain-free during the winter and throughout the rest of the year. As people get older, their joints tend to stiffen. Tai chi and yoga are two types of stretching exercises that you can do inside to keep joints active. Gilbert Physical Therapy can help treat your joint pain without the use of medications, injections, or surgery and can keep you active during the winter months. If you notice that your joint pain is getting worse as the temperatures drop, give our office a call to schedule an appointment.
SUDOKU
Spicy Salmon Tartare
Inspired by Epicurious
Ingredients
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1 8-ounce boneless, skinless salmon fillet 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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3/4 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
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1 1/2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, minced 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chives, minced
1/4 teaspoon lime zest
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1/4 cup cucumber, seeded and finely diced 1 1/2 teaspoons jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
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1 1/2 teaspoons grape seed or vegetable oil
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Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
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1 1/2 teaspoons shallots, minced
Crackers or chips, for serving
Directions
1. Place salmon in freezer for 20 minutes to make slicing easier. 2. Meanwhile, prepare other ingredients for mixing. 3. Thinly slice salmon into sheets and cut sheets into strips and strips into cubes. When finished, you should have 1/8-inch cubes. 4. In a mixing bowl, combine salmon with all other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Garnish with chips or crackers and serve.
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