The joy of rains & wave of greenery that follows is a refreshing change from the dry summers- but not for everybody, especially for elder adults with joint pains. Monsoon is the climate that can trigger joint pains aggravating them as soon as it rains.  And monsoons in Mumbai are never late to the party ever and so are the joint pain. If there is rain there will be pain.

But what is the relation between the monsoon climate and joint pain? How does one treat these seasonal flare-ups? We have asked the same question to the best orthopaedic doctor in Mumbai, Dr Chirag Patel and read on to know his answers.

What is the relation between monsoons and joint pain flare-ups?

“The joint pain flare-ups during the monsoon has got to do with fall of the barometric pressure”, says orthopaedic specialist Dr Chirag Patel. The tissues in our body always strive to expand. But the outside pressure of the atmosphere tends to push against the body to limit its expansion. The two forces are in constant balance when the atmospheric pressure is normal.

When the atmosphere drops during the monsoons, the tissue has a slight edge and begins to expand. Just like a sponge that expands after releasing it after declutching it, the tissues expand at a microscopic level to puts pressure on the nerves. These small changes have a large impact on joints. And given elder adults with joint issues have sensitive nerves, the lower pressure ultimately flares up the joint swelling and pain.

Higher humidity levels in the monsoons are another reason that can lead to joint pain flare-ups. The humidity can lead thicken the blood which in turn increases the blood pressure. The body is turn forced to work harder than usual leading to dehydration, loss of lubrication in the joints & ultimately joint pain and swelling.

How do manage the joint pain flare-ups in monsoon?

“Certain remedies and lifestyle changes can help people whose joint pain flare-ups are making it difficult to continue your daily chores”, says an orthopaedic specialist in Mumbai Dr Chirag Patel. Following are some of the simple practices that have positively helped his patients manage the joint pain at home during monsoon:

1. Keep Warm: One can safely increase the room temperature by adding warm drinks, warm baths, layered thermal dresses, socks, and even right blankets at night.
2. Active Stretches and Exercise: It may seem counterintuitive but regular excise is the one simple way to reduce joint pain. Active exercises for the knee can help improvise flexibility and help the knee to adapt to the new climate seamlessly. Avoid sitting for long periods and twice-a-day stretch exercises are recommended. The benefits of orthopaedic physical therapy for improved joint function are well documented too.
3. Keep Weight in Check: Reducing the pressure one puts on the joint is a simple way to reduce the aggravation of the joint. Summers are the right time to start losing weight to ensure you put less pressure on the joints by the monsoon.

In case you have already adopted the above practices but the joint pain persists, it is time to consult an expert orthopaedic doctor with a track record in treating joint pains. If you are in Mumbai Dr Chirag Patel is the best joint replacement surgeon and orthopaedic specialist in Mumbai with an excellent record in mitigating joint pain flare-ups during the monsoon. You can contact him.