Winter is just around the corner and, for many parts of the country, that means colder temperatures will be coming soon! While winter weather can be fun, it can also cause people who struggle with joint pain to have even bigger problems, including flare-ups of Arthritis pain and stiffness.

As much as joint pain and stiffness can put a damper on your winter season, there are things you can do to find relief, including trying over-the-counter pain relief solutions, such as a pain relief gel.

Let’s take a look at what causes joint pain as the temperatures fall, what you can do about it, and some ways you might be able to avoid experiencing so much pain this year.

Why Do My Joints Hurt When the Temperature Drops?

There isn’t one commonly accepted reason as to why cold weather makes joints ache—but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s a common complaint many people have. The most common areas of pain are usually the knees, ankles, and hips.

So, what are some common theories as to why this happens?

One widely accepted theory is that when the weather gets cold, your body is constantly trying to conserve heat. So, it’ll send blood to essential organs like the heart and lungs. That takes away from the blood being pumped to your muscles and joints, so it’s easier for them to experience pain and feel stiff.

Another theory is that cold weather can cause inflammation in the joints, which can also contribute to pain.

While it’s frustrating not to have a concrete answer as to what causes joint pain in the winter, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to treat it.

What Are the Best OTC Products for Pain Relief?

One of the best solutions for joint pain is to find a pain relief gel that you can rub directly on the joint. Curious how pain relief gel works? It typically works by heating or cooling the skin, which can help to reduce inflammation and distract your brain from the pain your body is feeling. If your joints are also stiff, the feeling of heat or cold can also help to loosen them up and provide relief.

A capsaicin arthritis pain relief cream, for example, can help to heat up the area of joint pain, so you can find soothing relief almost instantly.

Gel patches can also be used for more long-term relief. They work similarly to pain relief gel, but, instead of rubbing them on, you leave them on for an extended period of time.

Everything from aspirin to other over-the-counter pain-relieving tablets can not only help with inflammation but reduce pain from the inside out.

Can Joint Pain Be Prevented in the Winter?

Some people just naturally seem to have more joint issues than others. Joint pain and stiffness in the winter might not be completely preventable. However, there are some things you can do to lower your risk of pain or to reduce the severity of it, including:

• Staying active/exercising
• Staying warm/dressing in layers
• Eating healthy fats
• Applying heat to your joints regularly

If you’re someone who regularly experiences joint pain and stiffness when the weather gets colder, you’re not alone. An over-the-counter online pharmacy like Hargraves Online Healthcare can give you the solutions you need to stop joint pain in its tracks, so you can enjoy the colder temperatures and the entire winter season. Feel free to browse our online store to find the best products for you—and start living pain-free all winter long.