Seniors battle joint pain and arthritis in winter

During the winter season, joint pains and stiffened muscles are the most common health problem  plaguing the lives of older people. 

Dr Viajaya Baskar, a physiotherapist with Nightingales, a home health care service centre in Mumbai, sees a 50 per cent spike in the number of senior citizens seeking treatment for bone problems during winter. He says, “Pain in the bones and joints of the elderly during winter is caused due to the drop in atmospheric pressure. When pressure decreases, tissues swell, building tension between joints, causing pain. Knees are weight-bearing joints and if one is over-weight, then pain is certain.”  In addition to this problem, is the wear and tear of muscles. Problems such as arthritis show itself in one’s late 40s. He says, “Pain is a warning sign and must not be ignored. Most people pop a pill, treating the pain but not the problem. It’s important to consult an orthopaedic if there is consistent pain.” 

Senior citizens may experience mild swelling in their fingers and joints; it can be treated at home, as no condition is as severe like arthritis. Placing an ice pack or hot water fomentation on the affected area, says Dr Tejas Upasani, a joint replacement surgeon from Mumbai.

With age catching up, there is no full-proof solution to winter aches and pains, however, brace yourself with a few home remedies which can ease the pain.