Managing Arthritic Joint Pain in Winter

Many of us seem to suffer with stiffness and aching during the colder months, particularly if we have ‘wear and tear’ (also known as osteoarthritis) in our joints.

Osteoarthritis is not reversible but there are many ways to manage joint stiffness, discomfort and pain .

We’ve collected together the best tips and advice from our team of therapists and compiled them for you.

 

Sarah says “moist heat is often very soothing for aching joints.  A simple compress of a cloth run under a hot tap and applied to your joint for 15-20 minutes should give temporary relief”. 

 

 Jane adds to try a warm bath or compress with up to 6 drops total of essential oils such as Sweet Marjoram, Ginger, Lemon, Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile, Juniper berry, Black Pepper, Lavender, Turmeric, Yarrow.

“You could also try a cabbage poultice.”

Petra recommends an epsom salt bath, which many people find soothes their joints.  If you have difficulty getting an and out of the bath try a foot bath with epsom salts or a magnesium spray.

“It’s also important to wrap up warm in cold weather.  Several layers will keep you cosy.”

 

 

Your diet is also important in the management of arthritic pain.

Several of our therapists suggested using turmeric and ginger for their anti-inflammatory properties.   Sue also suggested using  curcumin.  Curcumin is a component of turmeric and is available in capsules, as an extract and as a spice.

 

Catherine has kindly shared a long list of anti-inflammatory foods which  she recommends you eat every day.

• ‘SMASH’ fish (sardines, salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring). This could be a portion of fresh fish or a tin. Oily fish contains omega 3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory.