Medically Verified By: Dr. Aashish Chaudhry
Winter may be a welcome respite from the heat, but it also brings with it a familiar discomfort for those who suffer from bone or joint issues. Operated joints feel stiff, old fractures begin to throb, and even small motions might cause difficulty. In addition, there is an increase in new bone injuries during the colder months, ranging from muscular strains to slips and falls. Why, therefore, does winter affect bones more severely? And how can this season be improved in terms of managing both new and old injuries?
According to Dr Aashish Chaudhry, Director & Head - Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Aakash HealthCare, "Winter may provide respite from the heat, but it also causes a discernible increase in orthopaedic injuries. People of all ages, but particularly older persons, are more likely to suffer slips, falls, and fractures during the winter months. It also brings with it a familiar aching for many people with bone or joint issues. Operated joints feel stiff, old fractures begin to throb, and even small motions might cause difficulty."
Why, therefore, does winter affect bones more severely? And how can this season be improved in terms of managing both new and old injuries? The truth is that a variety of biological, environmental, and behavioral factors subtly raise the risk of winter-related orthopaedic injuries.
The body is impacted by cold weather in more ways than we may realize. Winter causes muscle rigidity, slowed reflexes, and a lack of balance. Muscles and bones are weakened by slick surfaces from dew, fog, or wet floors, Heavy winter apparel limits mobility, limited sunlight results in vitamin D deficiency, and less physical exercise further add to the problem. This is also exacerbated by low consumption of calcium, protein, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Joint health also depends on hydration, which is frequently overlooked in cold weather. All of this leads to an increase in frequency of falls, joint injuries, sprains, and fractures.
Physical inactivity in winter weakens muscles more than we realize increasing the body's susceptibility to sprains, fractures, and ligament damage. Even a minor slip in winter can cause serious injuries because reduced circulation also inhibits reflexes. Falls consequently become more frequent, raising the Blood arteries constrict in cold weather, reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach muscles and joints. Joint lubrication and flexibility are diminished by this tightening of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Because joints are immobile and contain fluids, abrupt motions increase the risk of sprains, strains, and even fractures.
Individuals with a history of orthopaedic surgery, osteoporosis, or arthritis are especially vulnerable. Osteoporosis raises the risk of fractures from even little falls, and arthritis exacerbates with inflammation and tight joints in cold weather.
In addition to common behaviours that subtly increase the risk of injury during the season, such as leading a sedentary lifestyle, neglecting warm-ups, and neglecting mild aches, delayed medical care may further deteriorate orthopaedic injuries.
While we cannot avoid winters, it is possible to prevent orthopaedic problems. All you need to do is maintain bone health by being physically active, wearing suitable footwear, keeping homes safe, and getting medical attention as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: Dear readers, this article provides general information and advice only. It is not at all professional medical advice. Therefore, always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for more information. TheHealthSite.com does not claim responsibility for this information.
