Fevers, sore throats and body aches; cold and flu season brings its fair share of discomfort. But if you’re already dealing with joint stiffness, this time of year can feel even more punishing. Along with barometric pressure changes, viral infections like the cold or flu can often trigger body-wide inflammation, making existing joint pain worse and cause new aches in otherwise healthy individuals. Pair that with chilly weather, and your joints can end up feeling like they’ve caught the flu too.
“When you’re fighting off a virus, your immune system goes into high alert, triggering inflammation as a defence mechanism,” explains Selvan Naicker Brand Manager for OsteoEze®. He explains that while this response helps your body recover, it can also cause your joints to feel swollen, stiff, or sore. Add in winter’s usual culprits, colder temperatures and lower barometric pressure, and your joints are going to need additional TLC to help the pain and stiffness.
During winter, joint pain can affect your day to day living even when you are not suffering from a cold or the flu. To try and manage your pain, and keep your joints comfortable, Naicker provides the following simple tips:
- Staying warm isn’t just about feeling cozy but is also about maintaining healthy blood flow and keeping your joints supple. Layer up, use heated blankets or hot water bottles, and consider taking warm baths, especially when you’re feeling under the weather.
- When you’ve caught a cold or the flu, it’s important to rest, but total immobility can worsen your joint stiffness. Gentle stretching or short indoor walks (if you’re up for it – don’t push yourself) can keep joints moving without straining the body. The Arthritis Foundation encourages low-impact movement to help prevent flare-ups.
- A strong immune system is your best defence during cold and flu season. Nutrients such as Vitamin D, Vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium help regulate inflammation and may support recovery.
- Incorporating a joint care supplement into your vitamin intake during winter and beyond can help to keep your joints feeling healthy and flexible during difficult, cold times. OsteoEze® Gold Powder Once-A-Day (a recent recipient of a Product of the Year Award in the Health Care category) can help to reduce stiffness and swelling, improve mobility, and build healthy cartilage.
- Fever, congestion, and medication can all dehydrate the body. This can impact joint cartilage, which relies on water to stay cushioned and flexible. Warm drinks like herbal tea, lemon water, or broth are excellent ways to hydrate while comforting cold symptoms.
- When viral inflammation flares up, topical joint soothers or warm compresses can provide much-needed relief.
If your joints feel unusually stiff or painful during cold and flu season, it’s worth listening to your body. Joint discomfort may be your immune system’s way of flagging that it’s under stress, or simply a reminder to slow down and take care of yourself. After all, the goal this season is simple: kick the cold, dodge the flu, and keep those joints happy.
