Monsoon seasons although accompanied with beautiful cool temperatures and rainfall, they are associated with a number of health problems among them being increased joint pain. This is contributed by a number of factors including underlying diseases such as arthritis, bone and joint injury. It is also contributed by decreased atmospheric pressure that exerts pressure on the joints and increased cold temperature with increased humidity.

Effective ways for joint pain management during monsoon can be achieved by:

1. Staying warm
   Monsoon climate is associated with a drop in temperature accompanied by heavy downpours. This results in an overall reduction in atmospheric temperatures that alleviates joint pain. Staying warm is key in managing joint pain which acts by increasing blood circulation within the body thus reducing associated pain. This can be achieved by taking warm births, applying warm compresses to the affected joint, practicing hydrotherapy and wearing warm clothing.
2. Regular exercising
   Reduced physical activity contributes a great deal to joint pain during monsoon. Regular exercising involving simple stretching and flexibility exercises helps in reducing joint pain by increasing blood circulation, increasing muscle, tissue and joint lubrication and strength. Exercises also help boost immunity which reduces pain and inflammation of joints especially in arthritis patients thus effective in rheumatoid arthritis management.
3. Eating healthy
   A healthy diet is essential during monsoon helps keep the body healthy thus key in preventing associated joint pain. This can be achieved by:
   • Eating fresh fruits and vegetables which are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that help in reducing pain and inflammation due to joint pain. Nutrients in fruits and vegetables including vitamin C also helps in boosting immunity thus preventing infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
   • Increasing the intake of hot soups, hot herbal and green tea which increase body temperature and fight joint associated inflammation.
   • Reducing the intake of high sodium-rich foods as they tend to increase water retention in the body.
   • Reducing the intake of foods rich in unhealthy fat while opting for whole grains, fish, walnuts, brown rice, and barley.
   • Drinking clean, boiled and warm water that will keep the body hydrated thus reducing incidences of joint pain.
4. Monitoring your health
   Joint pain during monsoon can be contributed by a number of other different underlying issues such as increased weight, diseases, and poor nutrition. Therefore it is important to keep track of your health by taking routine health check-ups; taking prescribed medications for underlying diseases such as arthritis and putting on comfortable flat shoes that help prevent joint pain.
5. Getting tested
   Arthritis is the most common condition associated with joint pain. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you get yourself tested for rheumatoid factor, where a blood test is done to determine if one is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Other tests done for joint pain include tests for autoimmune diseases, thyroid diseases, joint inflammation, calcium deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, and connective tissue diseases. This help in determining the cause of joint pain and in establishing a treatment plan that will help in joint pain management.

Monsoon is a pleasant season, so why let your joint pain ruin the fun? If you resolve, there is a lot you can do about your joint pain. Be active during the day, eat right, and sleep well at night and rest, when necessary. Keep your joints active, but avoid excess activity. Listen to your body and practice healthy living. With these tips, you can happily enjoy the monsoon. If you have any queries regarding pain management of your joints feel free to connect with our healthcare team at Bone & Joints 360.