Expert advice on how to find relief during the winter months
By Tess Farmer
When temperatures drop, people living with arthritis may experience increased stiffness, aching joints and difficulty staying active. While cold weather doesn’t cause arthritis, changing weather conditions can make existing symptoms more noticeable. Fortunately, surgery isn’t the only path to relief.
At Lowcountry Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Neal Huang helps patients understand their joint pain and explore treatment options that support mobility and quality of life throughout the year.
Managing Cold Weather Joint Pain
“Patients have told me their joints can predict the weather, and there is some scientific evidence supporting a connection,” says Dr. Huang. “The correlation between weather and arthritis pain is relatively weak, but changes in temperature and barometric pressure may influence how some people feel.”
One common misconception is that aching joints need rest. In fact, inactivity can increase stiffness and weaken the muscles that support joints. Appropriate movement is among the most effective ways to manage arthritis discomfort.
“Exercise and weight management are the foundation of arthritis treatment,” Dr. Huang explains. “Strengthening the muscles around the hips and knees helps reduce stress on the joints, while even modest weight loss can make a meaningful difference in pain and mobility.” Several non-surgical treatments can help. Physical therapy improves strength, flexibility and balance, while anti-inflammatory medications may relieve symptoms, when medically appropriate. Cortisone injections can provide temporary relief during painful flares. For some patients with persistent knee pain, radiofrequency ablation offers another option by targeting nerves that transmit pain signals.
Complementary approaches, including tai chi and gentle yoga, may improve mobility and comfort. Dr. Huang recommends heat, such as a warm shower, before activity to ease stiffness, while ice may be more appropriate for swelling and inflammation. He also advises caution with expensive treatments promising a cure when scientific evidence is limited.
At home, consistency is key. Aim for regular moderate activity, warm up before exercising, stretch gently and incorporate strength training twice weekly. Indoor walking, stationary cycling and heated pools offer cold-weather alternatives. Supportive footwear, appropriate assistive devices and fall prevention can also help protect joints.
Persistent or worsening pain, difficulty walking, or symptoms interfering with sleep and daily activities warrant professional evaluation. A suddenly hot, red or swollen joint, particularly with fever, requires prompt medical attention.
“Seeing an orthopaedic surgeon doesn’t mean you’re signing up for surgery,” says Dr. Huang. “The majority of patients who come in to see me with joint pain leave with a non-surgical plan.”
His advice remains simple: Don’t let joint pain keep you on the sidelines. An accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment and consistent healthy habits can help many people stay active and enjoy the activities they love.
Lowcountry Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine has five Lowcountry locations. For more information, call 843-797-5050 or visit www.lowcountryortho.com.
BEAT THE ACHE
• Keep moving: Regular exercise and strength training help reduce stiffness and support joints.
• Try tai chi: Gentle movement can improve balance, flexibility and mobility.
• Beat the cold: Use heat for stiffness and ice for swelling.
• Know when to seek help: See an orthopaedic specialist for persistent pain or difficulty walking.
