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I’ve had many emails this winter about rheumatoid arthritis pain and winter tips for stuff joints. Winter is definitely the hardest season of the year for joint pain, and it can be miserable to deal with.
After having RA for 25 years now, I have tried and tested so many different things for relief.
Today, I want to share with you some of my favorite winter tips for stiff joints and/or rheumatoid arthritis pain that make such a difference.
9 Winter Tips for Stiff Joints and RA Pain
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One. Wax Dips
I own this little wax melting machine. When my finger joints are super stiff and painful, I use this and it feels amazing! I just dip my hands in the hot wax, cover with it with the plastic wraps, and let it sit there for a while. It also moisturizes the skin!
You can also do this for your feet!
Two. Heating Pad and Blanket, IR Heat Lamp
Using heat is the best way to survive the cold. It is very therapeutic and comforting. I keep this electric blanket on my bed. It produces just enough heat to sooth cold joints. I also keep a heating pad by the couch and in my office. Sometimes I will just keep the pad on my back to warm my entire body. It’s amazing how when your entire body is warmer, it even soothes the joints. (This is the heating pad I own, I like that you can tie it so it will stay in place!) Also, I highly recommend getting an IR heat lamp.
Three. Wear Layers To Combat Stiff Joints
This sounds like a no brainer, but I used to just wear a jacket in the cold and do nothing more about it. I had a rheumatologist about 10 years ago tell me to start wearing a bunch of layers in the winter. A hat, scarf, gloves, and even a few shirts. Keeping your body temperature elevated when it’s cold out, will keep your joints warmer too. If I can keep my hands from getting cold, it really helps eliminate pain later on. I wear gloves almost everywhere in the winter, even if it’s 50 degrees out. I also wear these finger less gloves around the house.
Four. Chemistry Cachet’s Collagen Concoction
This is the perfect internal treatment for winter. Not only does it warm you up, but it treats inflammation, pain, and heals the joints. I drink this every morning and it has truly changed my life. If I miss a dose of this, I really feel it the next day.
Instagram followers know how much I love this every morning. I love sharing it!
Five. Tens Machine
When I was in physical therapy years ago for joint damage, they used a large one of these on my knee area. This little portable one is AMAZING!
I struggle with knee pain in the winter, so I just hook this up when I am relaxing and it helps right away. I just stick the little pads right on my knee while I am sitting down. I let it do a full session or sometimes do 30 minutes. My dad has severe back pain and he uses this on his back. It helps him so much too! Also, check out our in-depth post on TENS machines and a good quality option.
P.S- Ruger is really obsessed with this machine too lol.
Six. Stretching and Foam Rolling
One of the best winter tips for stiff joints is keeping your muscles warmed and flexible.. I stretch and do Pilates every day to keep my muscles strong and flexible. My IT bands are always really tight, so I use a foam roller every day in that area. You can do it on your own or have someone roll it for you.
I get my husband to do it for me, and it is wonderful!
Seven. Acupressure Mat
Acupuncture has been used for pain relief for decades. It doesn’t help all types of joint pain, but it really helps with muscle pain which in turn soothes joints. This acupressure mat works similar, but creates pressure which in turn relieves pain.
It is not painful at all, more of a pressure sensation which seriously helps with joint pain and stiffness. I really love how relaxing it is too.
Eight. Soothing Baths
Hot baths have been one of my longest pain relief treatments. There was a time when I was really struggling with arthritic swelling, pain, and stiffness to the point I couldn’t really move in the mornings. I started soaking in really hot baths each morning for 30-45 minutes and this helped me move around for the rest of the day.
The heat was the number one treatment, but adding in some salts and oils also made this more effective.
Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is one of my favorite additions. It soothes aches and pains well. I will also add a few drops of rose oil or peppermint oil for a cooling sensation.
Nine. Nightly Green Tea with Honey
I’ve been a green tea drinker for about 15 years now and the more you drink, the better you feel when it comes to inflammation.
For more chemical benefits on tea, be sure to read this post on why tea is absolutely amazing for you.
In the winter when it’s chilly (or really any night that is chilly), I will make a hot cup of green tea and add a few teaspoons of raw honey. This combination is so relaxing and comforting, and it always soothes any pain I have. I sleep like a rock when I have this at night.
I have been doing this every night this winter, and I am addicted to the tradition now.
These Winter Tips For Stiff Joints Are Also Great For Anyone
Even if you don’t have rheumatoid arthritis or other joint diseases, these are fantastic tips for any type of joint pain, stiffness, or even just to relax.
My husband doesn’t have a joint disease, but he does work out a lot and gets joint stiffness. He joins in on almost all of these and loves it!
Remember to stay active and eat nurturing foods to feel the best with an auto-immune disease!
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That wax dip sounds amazing! I would definitely try that on my feet all year round…they are always hurting.
It is such an awesome thing to use! It makes my hands feel so good and works awesome for feet too!
I don’t have RA, but I do have chronic wrist pain from an injury almost a decade ago. I never remember Munich heating pad – I need to get it out. I wonder if a little machine like that would work for me?
I think so. My husband has pain from old injuries in his ankles and knee areas. He puts it on the muscles around it and it really gives him relief! It really helps with all most any pain.
Such useful and good advice
THanks Jo-Anne!
Thanks for all these tips! I have scoliosis, and while it’s not terrible, it does hurt almost every day of my life. I wish I had a bigger tub to really relax in. I like some of these ideas though. That hot pad that ties is great.
-Lauren
You would really like that heating pad for your back. It is so helpful that you can tie it!! Thanks Lauren!
My chiropractor just told me about the foam roller to stretch out my back since I’ve been so stiff in my back and neck area… so a lot of these tips sound like great remedies for me. I love getting paraffin done on my feet at the nail salon but never thought to buy one at home. Good to know there’s an affordable option out there.
Foam rolling has been such an awesome tool for pain. My dad has a really bad back and he really loves it. That TENS machine has helped him with his back too. 🙂
Great tips for all sorts of aches! I haven’t used a wax machine in a while but have been thinking about it. I am all about the layers and you will usually find me under a blanket even in the summer. Never used a TENS machine before but have seen commercials. Thanks for the helpful info!
I am the same way about a blanket! Always have to stay warm 🙂 Thanks Laurie!
Foam rollers are definitely great stuff. Seem to work any muscle knots out, too.
Yes they are! So great for so many things!
Thank you so much for the tip about the paraffin wax bath. I’ve been whining about ThermaCare discontinuing their hand and wrist heatwraps for years. I never even thought to try wax. After reading your post, I ordered a wax bath and just used it for the first time today. It really does help! It’s not as practical or convenient as the heatwraps were, but it does make a difference and I’m so happy I have one.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
That’s great! It really is such a soothing thing to do. Especially when it is so cold outside! It’s a little messy, but definitely worth it 🙂