GREENSBORO, N.C. — The phrase “Chilled to the Bone” is often used to express when someone is very cold. But do colder temperatures impact joints and chronic pain?
Dr. Allston Stubbs is an orthopedic surgeon at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. He said weather and joint pain go hand in hand.
“You often hear about people being able to predict the weather, whether it’s going to rain or snow, they have a sixth sense,” Dr. Stubbs said. “They have an intuition based on how their body is feeling. There’s no doubt that our bodies are complicated machines. When you look at how we’ve evolved over time. Certainly, our muscles and bones all work together as one.”
Dr. Stubbs said there are proactive steps patients can take to elevate pain during the colder months. Wearing layered clothing, exercising, and maintaining good overall health are just a few.
“I think the healthier you are as an individual often determines how well you can respond to changes in the weather,” Dr. Stubbs said. “Making sure that you consult with your doctor.”
Dr. Stubbs also recommends maintaining a well-balanced diet and limiting processed foods that can cause inflammation.
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