Partner Content
PA Month Exclusive Advice from OrthoCarolina Concord Physician Assistants
As seasons change, you may notice the impact of weather on your joints, especially if you have arthritis or past injuries. Our Concord Physician Assistants (PAs), who work closely with subspecialty-trained orthopedic surgeons, have shared insights into how cooler weather can affect joint health and ways to manage discomfort.
Understanding the Weather’s Effect on Joints
“Changes in barometric pressure often exacerbate joint pain in cold and damp conditions,” explains physician assistant Kendall Holroyd. “Stiffness can increase as muscles tense in response to the cold.” This phenomenon occurs when circulation focuses on keeping the body’s core warm, sometimes leaving extremities more vulnerable to stiffness.
Expert Advice from Our Concord PA Team
Maintaining joint health starts with simple habits like staying hydrated, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and keeping a healthy weight to reduce strain on your joints. Regular physical activity, proper lifting techniques, using ice or heat to relieve discomfort (read more about when to use ice vs heat to manage pain here), and taking anti-inflammatory medications when necessary can also help manage discomfort.
In honor of Physician Assistant Month this October, our Concord PAs share their best tips for alleviating joint pain during weather changes:
1. Stay Active
Kendall Holroyd, PA-C highlights the benefits of staying active with low-impact exercises like walking, stationary cycling, and yoga.
2. Daily Stretching & Prioritizing Mobility
Jessica Flanigan, PA-C explains the importance of daily stretching or mobility exercises to maintain joint flexibility.
Here are some joint mobility exercises to try at home during the cold months:
- Ankle Circles
– Sit or stand with your leg extended.
– Rotate your ankle in a circular motion, first clockwise, then counterclockwise.
– Perform 10 circles in each direction. - Hip Circles
– Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
– Place your hands on your hips and make large circles with your hips.
– Rotate clockwise for 10 circles, then switch to counterclockwise for another 10. - Shoulder Rolls
– Stand or sit with your back straight.
– Lift your shoulders up towards your ears and roll them backward in a circular motion.
– Perform 10 rolls backward, then switch to rolling them forward for another 10.
3. Dress to Impress… the Weather
Scot Rheinecker, PA-C emphasizes that dressing for the weather is the easiest way to prevent pain.
Additional Pain Relief Options
Our skilled Physician Assistants offer a range of joint pain relief treatments as an extension of our highly subspecialized doctors and surgeons. Some of those options include:
- Injections such as cortisone, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
- Physical therapy to strengthen joints and improve mobility.
- In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address more severe joint issues.
When to Consult an Orthopedic Specialist
If joint pain worsens with activity or daily tasks become difficult, and you’re experiencing symptoms like redness, swelling, or severe pain, it’s important to seek professional advice. Cold weather can exacerbate joint pain, making it even more crucial to address these symptoms promptly. With the new or sudden onset of joint pain brought on by colder temps, our Orthopedic Urgent Care our team can assist in identifying the right treatment plan for your symptoms.
If you suspect you’re experiencing a chronic condition such as arthritis, make an appointment here. If you’re experiencing a new or sudden onset of acute joint pain, you can walk into any OrthoCarolina Urgent Cares for personalized care that supports your bone and joint well-being.
Planning to visit? Tell ’em Cabarrus Weekly sent ya!
