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YB WEB DESK. Dated: 1/14/2021 12:58:44 PM

8 WINTER TIPS AND TOOLS FOR STIFF, PAINFUL JOINTS

If you have joint pain, then you might agree that winter is a difficult time of year. When the cold air sets in, it can make chronic joint pain even more agonizing to deal with. Everything is more stiff, tender, and achy during this season. Over the last 24 years of battling rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pain, I have developed my own tool kit of winter tips and tools for stiff, painful joints. I hope they help you get through this time of year with less pain and more ease. Paraffin wax When I was 10 years old, my rheumatologist told me to get a paraffin wax warmer for my stiff and swollen fingers. These warmers can be fairly inexpensive, so my mom picked one up at the store. Paraffin wax is a wonderful treatment for anyone with finger, hand, toe, or foot pain. Just dip your hand or foot into the warmed wax, wrap it with the plastic wrap it comes with, and let it sit awhile. When it dries, slowly peel it off. This is a great treatment to use during the winter, especially in the morning, when joints are the stiffest and most painful. Heating pads Many people who have any type of pain use a heating pad of some sort. I use many different types to make things easier. I bought a microwavable heating pad many years ago, and it continues to be the most convenient purchase I have made. It takes about 45 seconds to warm up, then you can easily put it anywhere without needing an outlet to plug it in. This is convenient for when I am at the table or working at my desk. A wearable heating pad is also convenient. I have a few that tie around the back or arms, which makes it easier and will keep it from falling off. Lastly, a moist heating pad is a great addition. Moist heat penetrates the skin and muscles deeper, so you will feel a more soothing heat for your painful joints. Layering My doctor told me years ago to start wearing layers. Anytime I stepped outside in the cold air, all of my joints started to ache. Even though I was wearing a jacket, it wasn’t doing the trick. I never realized what a difference layering could make. When I go outside in the winter now, I usually wear a simple Tshirt, long-sleeve shirt, and a jacket on top. I never leave the house without good warm gloves. Even though it doesn’t really get that cold in Texas, where I live, keeping the warmth on my hands makes a difference. Keeping your head covered is important, too. Soothing baths I have found that soaking in hot water really gets my joints moving on cold winter mornings.