Winter tips for rheumatics

Keep joints warm / exercise as well as possible / relaxation is good

14/11/2013

When icy temperatures alternate with wet and cold rain or snow and in between a cold polar wind blows, that makes every third German hard to cope. The colloquially referred to as weather sensitivity phenomenon mainly affects rheumatics. While they experience pain and feel more mobile in the summer, their winter lives are often characterized by joint stiffness and severe pain. So that the consumption of painkillers does not increase immeasurably with approaching cold fronts or windy weather, Univ.-Doz. Dr. Bertram HölzI, medical director of the Gasteiner Heilstollen, helpful tips for rheumatologists.

A lot of heat helps a lot
Although permafrost in winter often has a different effect on rheumatic diseases, patients who suffer from active inflammatory joint disease sometimes even experience cold pain relief. Nevertheless, they should avoid short strong cold stimuli in the frosty weather to avoid reactive heat in the joints after returning to heated rooms. Many know this phenomenon in snowball forming with bare hands. It is cold for a short moment, afterwards the hands often become hot and red. This would increase inflammation. But only very few rheumatics are really better at cool temperatures. Most have more pain especially in wind and hypothermia in the affected joint regions. You should pack the joints well. In addition, cures help in warm healing tunnels. For example, in the Gasteiner Heilstollen, temperatures of over 37.5 degrees and high humidity of up to 100 percent prevail. In these conditions, aching muscles relax. In addition, in this radon heat therapy from the mountain rock radon in small amounts, which inhibits the activity of inflammatory cells and painkillers in rheumatoid arthritis.

To keep moving
In addition, rheumatics should move as much as possible, even if it is difficult, especially in winter. Whoever rested, rusts. Movement, on the other hand, counteracts rheumatic joint stiffness, prevents muscle breakdown and strengthens the bones. Strong muscles in turn relieve stressed joints. Particularly suitable are joint-gentle sports such as swimming, aqua gymnastics, dancing or walking. Physically prescribed functional training and physiotherapy can also be tackled well in winter. Another advantage: Sport can reduce inflammatory thrusts, this was recently confirmed by a study from Great Britain.

Relaxation reduces pain
In addition to exercise and warming applications, sufferers often help with home-based relaxation exercises. Autogenic training, meditation, yoga or tai chi are especially useful for regaining control of pain. Furthermore, these exercises also loosen up blockages in muscles and provide a better body feeling. (Pm)