Rheumatology
5 Tips For Managing Your Arthritis This Winter
 Keep exercising.
As it gets colder outside, you may not be able to get the exercise you used to from activities like walking or gardening. However, it is important to keep exercising a little every day.
There are many strengthening and range of movement exercises you can do whilst indoors and you should ask your doctor about these. Strengthening exercises can build the muscles around a weak joint to help keep it stable and range-of-movement exercises can keep arthritic joints mobile.
Lose weight for the sake of your knees.
Every time you take a step the pressure across your knees is three to four times your body weight. We all know it is hard to lose weight, but even losing three pounds of weight can take about nine to 12 pounds of pressure off your knees when you walk.
Keep warm.
Keep your aching joints warm during the winter months. Warm baths are beneficial in keeping your joints warm as well as relieving you from the stiffness and pain of arthritis.
Keep safe.
Your arthritis may predispose you to falls and broken bones so be extra careful when walking over snow and ice. Wear shoes with a good grip and walk slowly, taking small and steady steps. You may want to purchase an ice tip attachment for your cane if you use one.
Get an adequate supply of calcium and vitamin D.
We need calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones. To make vitamin D we need sunshine which will be hard to find in the upcoming months. Talk to you doctor about calcium and vitamin D supplements that you can take by mouth.
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Learn more about Dr. Sobia Hassan
Areas of Interest: Osteoporosis Evaluation and Treatment, Lupus and other Connective Tissue Diseases, Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Vasculitis
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