Coping With Knee Problems In Winter

This recent article from Forum’s partners at Schools Advisory Service (SAS) discusses osteoarthritis of the knee – a condition that causes roughening and thinning of the articular cartilage that lines the bones and acts as a protective layer over the bone ends, creating friction, pain and swelling in the knee joints. This is a condition which often arises due to previous damage (often many years earlier) to the knee joints, with the pain and discomfort often exacerbated during cold weather. SAS tips for coping with arthritis in cold weather are:

• Keep active – following a simple but daily exercise regime can help, as exercise helps ease pain, increase joint flexibility, and strengthens the muscles that protect the vulnerable joints.
• Take a daily walk of 20-40 mins. Walking is a low impact activity and proven to promote many health benefits.
• Keep the area warm – dress in layers which helps trap heat better
• Have your Flu jab.
• Avoid Vitamin D deficiency as this increases sensitivity to pain. There is less natural sun light in winter which lowers Vitamin D production. Eat Vitamin D rich foods such as oily fish, and drink fortified juices / milk and breakfast cereals.
• Refer to the SAS website for further advice on knee exercises to help keep the muscles strong to protect affected joints.
• Seek further help via the SAS Nursing Team working closely with the Lead Physiotherapist and in-house Personal Trainer team

Further details can be found: https://schooladvice.co.uk/seasonal-creakings-of-those-knees-from-sas/