Many people with osteoarthritis, rheumatism, or other joint complaints recognize it: as soon as it gets colder outside, the joints seem stiffer and more painful. Even healthy people sometimes feel their knees or fingers tighten more in the cold. But how does that actually happen? In this blog, we explain what happens in your body in cold weather, and what you can do yourself to reduce the pain. Don’t have time to read this blog, but still want to reduce your pain? Download MotiMove!
What happens in your joints in the cold
Cold weather affects your body in several ways. When the temperature drops, the blood vessels in your skin and muscles constrict to keep your body warm. This can lead to:
- Reduced blood flow to the muscles and joints.
- Stiffness because the joints move less smoothly.
- Muscle tension, because you unconsciously tense up more to stay warm.
In addition, air pressure differences also play a role. In cold and rainy weather, air pressure often drops, and some people therefore experience more pressure and pain in their joints.
Why do some people experience more pain than others?
Not everyone feels the cold equally in their joints. People with osteoarthritis, rheumatism, or old injuries often notice it sooner. Their joints are more sensitive to changes in temperature and air pressure. But fatigue, stress, and too little movement can also intensify the pain.
Imagine getting out of bed on a cold morning: your knees feel stiff, your back won’t cooperate, and you feel like you need to “warm up” first. This is a typical example of how cold affects the musculoskeletal system.
Tips to reduce joint pain in cold weather
Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do yourself to ease complaints in winter:
- Keep moving: even just gentle walking or stretching helps keep your joints supple.
- Dress warmly: especially gloves, warm socks, and layers help protect your joints.
- Use heat: a hot water bottle, warm bath, or warm shower can improve blood flow.
- Watch your posture: the cold makes you tense up more quickly, so try to keep moving upright.
- Rest and relaxation: stress worsens pain, so also schedule moments of rest.
How the MotiMove app can help
Especially in winter, it’s extra important to stay active. With the MotiMove app, you can:
- Do short, accessible exercise videos that keep your joints supple.
- Track your progress and pain so you gain insight into how the cold affects your body.
- Read information and facts about pain and movement, so you better understand what’s happening.
- Find motivation to stay active despite the cold.
This way, you can turn winter into a time when you continue to support your joints well.
Frequently asked questions
Can cold really damage joints?
No, cold does not cause permanent damage, but it can worsen existing complaints.
Does moving a lot in the cold help?
Yes, as long as you dress warmly and don’t overexert yourself, movement helps reduce pain and stiffness.
Why do my fingers and knees feel extra painful in cold weather?
These are joints that get cold quickly and where blood flow more quickly decreases.
Does everyone suffer from joint issues in winter?
No, some people hardly notice it, while others experience many more complaints.
Cold weather can make joints stiffer and more painful due to reduced blood flow, muscle tension, and changes in air pressure. Although this can be bothersome, you can do a lot yourself with heat, movement, and relaxation. The MotiMove app helps with this, so you can keep moving actively and smoothly even in winter.