Rheumatism is a chronic self-immunological disease characterized by arthritis, pain and rigidity. Patients often find symptoms aggravated by cold and damp weather. Avoiding exposure to cold water in winter is an important and repeatedly emphasized preventive measure. The following are detailed reasons and scientific grounds and how to better protect oneself from the cold.
1. Impact of cold on joints
a. Reduction in blood circulation: cold environments can lead to vascular contraction and a reduction in blood circulation. This change may result in reduced oxygen and nutrients from joints and muscles, thus increasing pain and rigidity. For RA patients, the joints already affected by inflammation are more vulnerable in cold conditions.
b. Muscle rigidity: Coldness increases muscle stress and rigidity, which may increase joint stress and pain. The joints of RA patients have become rigid due to inflammation, which is further exacerbated by the cold.
Direct effects of cold water
a. Cold water irritation: Exposure to cold water can lead to a rapid reduction of local temperatures, further exacerbating vascular constriction and reduced blood circulation. This direct cold irritation increases the rigidity of muscle and soft tissue around the joints, increasing pain and discomfort.
b. Inflammation response: Although cold water per se does not lead directly to inflammation, cold water exposure may lead to an increase in inflammation response for RA patients. The release of inflammatory media is likely to increase, leading to increased swelling of joints and increased pain.
3. Winter environmental factors
a. Effects of humidity: not only is winter cold, but it is usually accompanied by higher humidity. A wet and cold environment may exacerbate the discomfort of the joints. Increased humidity can cause water in the air to be attached to the skin and joints, which may increase the rigidity and pain of the joints.
b. Indoor and outdoor temperature differentials: Inner and outdoor temperatures vary significantly during the winter, often from warm indoors to cold outdoors, or vice versa, which may lead to physical difficulties in adapting rapidly to temperature changes and increasing discomfort.
4. Psychological factors
Changes in weather and the environment not only affect the state of health but may also affect the state of mind. Cold and dark weather can lead to depression and depression, which may also make pain more visible.
5. Preventive measures and recommendations
a. Stay warm: patients with RA should be as warm as possible, especially in the joints. The wearing of warm clothing, such as gloves, scarfs and hats, can help to reduce the impact of cold on joints.
b. Use of warm water: In winter, use of warm water instead of cold water for daily activities such as hand washing, bathing and cleaning. Warm water helps to maintain blood circulation and reduces muscle and joint rigidity.
c. Indoor wetting: The use of humidifiers to keep indoor air moisture moderate can help mitigate the effect of wet cold on joints.
d. Moderate exercise: Moderate exercise can help to improve blood circulation and keep joints flexible. The choice of low-intensity sports in indoor warm environments, such as yoga or stretching, can help to alleviate winter rigidity and pain.
Avoiding exposure to cold water in winter for people with rheumatological arthritis is an important preventive measure, as cold and wet cold environments may increase the pain and rigidity of joints. By taking appropriate heating measures, using warm water, maintaining moderate exercise and psychological support, patients can effectively reduce the negative effects of winter on the joints. Understanding and addressing these environmental factors can help patients in RA to better manage symptoms and maintain a high quality of life during the cold season.
