Spring has finally arrived, and it’s just a matter of weeks before Australia welcomes the summer months. You can finally pack away your heaters and warm clothes and bid goodbye to cold weather aches and pains…or so you thought!

As it turns out, joint pain might be more prevalent in the cold winter months, but that doesn’t mean that it disappears in summer entirely. In fact, some people find that their pain worsens during this time. Here’s what causes this and what you can do about it.

As temperatures rise, so do humidity levels, and the resultant pressure changes in the air can increase pain in the joints as nerve endings in the body are placed under pressure. High temperatures can lead to dehydration and changes in fluid levels, and the resulting reduced lubrication in joint cartilage can exacerbate this pain and inflammation.

Feeling increased pain and discomfort during the summer months can be normal if you are prone to joint discomfort. Here are some holistic tips which may help to alleviate your symptoms:

• Avoid going outdoors during the peak hours of 10:00am and 5:00pm. Where possible, stay in the shade and in air-conditioned areas. If you must be outdoors, then dress in clothing that is loose fitting and breathable, and made from natural fibre fabrics like cotton and linen.
• Stay hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids – but try to avoid drinks that cause dehydration, such as caffeine filled coffee or sugary soft drinks. If you find it challenging to constantly drink water, then eat water-dense fruit such as cantaloupe, grapefruit, oranges, peaches, pineapple, berries and watermelons. All these fruits have a water content of 85% or higher.
• Take a dip in the pool or ocean. It’s a great way to keep fit and cool at the same time, and has the added benefit of supporting your body weight. The natural buoyancy of water reduces the impact being placed directly on your joints.
• Apply topical treatments that contain cooling and soothing ingredients that aim to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. You can find many suitable products in the Zen Pain Relief range.

Summer doesn’t have to automatically mean more discomfort for you, and if you follow these tips, you’ll find that you can enjoy the season with less joint and muscle aches and pains.

Related Tag: Joint and Muscle Pain Relief