Our specialist gives an insight into the effects of cold on patients suffering from rheumatism and how to protect yourself.

Cold winter is one of the worst enemies of rheumatoid people. Low temperatures wreak havoc on their bodies that are already suffering from diseases. Joint pain is sometimes intensified by the sudden change in temperature. “Yes, winter can aggravate established rheumatic diseases. But, be careful, it does not cause rheumatic diseases”, explains Oscar Chigne, Rheumatologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma.

“There is a direct relationship in the sudden change in temperature when it is from hot to cold in the case of rheumatological problems such as cryoglobulinemia, which results from a change in circulation in hands and feet”, he says.

Winter is bad for a group of patients such as “people with arthrosis, arthritis, or tendinitis, as there are pressure receptors in the joints very sensitive to changes in temperature and pressure, they make the joints more sensitive. Likewise, torticollis and lower back pain are more acute”, he adds.

Foods that can help rheumatoid people

Many plant foods have an anti-inflammatory action which is very useful against rheumatism, also acting preventively. Vegetable fats, in general, and omega-3 in particular, reduce inflammation on a systemic level.

Fruits and vegetables are very rich in antioxidants: chlorophyll, resveratrol, vitamin C, quercetin, or beta-carotene, among others. Herbs and spices have great anti-inflammatory power.

Among the spices, turmeric (stick) multiplies its action with black pepper. It is important to avoid nightshades such as peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes that contain solanine, which promotes joint inflammation.

Care during the cold season

Tal como explica Chigne, las personas con enfermedades reumáticas son más susceptibles al frío, razón por la que deben tener particular cuidado, sobre todo las mujeres, que son las más propensas a padecer estas enfermedades

“Wear gloves and a coat, especially the elderly. Likewise, people who have arthrosis of the spine and that the cold unleashes a muscle contracture must handle themselves with heat and warm clothing. Many times it helps to exercise or do some physical activity to generate a dynamic movement in the joints that are not sore. Something simple like a walk of no more than 30 minutes”, concludes our specialist.

Dr. Oscar Chigne
Rheumatologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma /strong>