Osteoarthritis in cold weather

[KeithD]

Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis that occurs due to the wear and tear of the joint cartilage. Cold weather can affect people with osteoarthritis in several ways:

1. Increased Joint Pain: Cold temperatures can cause the joints to stiffen and increase pain for people with osteoarthritis.
   
2. Decreased Range of Motion: Joints may feel tighter in cold weather, leading to decreased range of motion and increased difficulty with daily activities.
   
3. Increased Inflammation: Cold weather can cause blood vessels to narrow, leading to increased inflammation in affected joints.
   

To alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis in cold weather, it's recommended to keep active, perform gentle exercises to maintain joint mobility, use heat therapy, and wear warm clothing to keep the joints warm.