Getting regular exercise is important for keeping your joints healthy, but warmer weather might make them feel sore or achy. When the heat affects your joints, you might be reluctant to work out, even when it’s nice outside. Finding ways to keep your joints more comfortable while exercising in warmer weather can help ensure that you get regular physical activity all spring and summer long. Understanding how this weather can cause joint pain is also helpful.
Effects of Heat on Joints
Why does the heat affect some people’s joints? Warmer weather, especially when it’s humid out, causes your body to sweat more. This can lower the amount of fluid you normally have around your joints, which can cause discomfort. This fluid usually helps cushion your joints as you move around. Hot, humid weather and temperature changes might also cause inflammation, which can make your joints feel sore. If you avoid exercising when it’s warm out, your joints can become stiff as well. The following tips can help you enjoy outdoor exercise when it’s warm or hot out.
Hydrate Often
When you’re outside exercising in warmer weather, make sure you drink regularly. Sweating in the heat can cause your body to become dehydrated, which can increase soreness in your joints. Bring water or a sports drink with you to ensure that your body has enough fluid while you’re working out. Take sips from time to time to maintain hydration.
Use Over-the-Counter Creams
If you have arthritis or chronic joint pain, consider applying arthritis cream or another anti-inflammatory cream to the affected joints. This can help ease joint pain before you start your workout.
Stay Inside on Humid Days
On days when the humidity is higher than usual, stay indoors to exercise instead of going outside. When you stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment, your joints will be exposed to less humidity. This can help prevent your joints from becoming sore if they’re sensitive to humidity. Save outdoor exercise for days when the humidity levels are expected to be lower.
Avoid Intense Heat
If the heat bothers your joints, you should avoid exercising outdoors in extreme heat or during the hottest part of the day. Do your workouts in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler out.
Dress Comfortably
When you head outdoors to exercise, wear clothing that’s loose and made from material that breathes, such as cotton. Tight clothing restricts your joints, which can make it harder to move. Materials that aren’t as breathable can make you sweat more, increasing your risk of becoming dehydrated and having achy joints.
Go Swimming
If you have access to a pool, choose swimming as a spring and summer workout routine. Swimming makes your body feel cooler, which can help ease joint pain caused by heat and humidity. Swimming can also help ease pressure on your joints.
If you have chronic joint pain or a joint injury, please contact Huntington Orthopedics to set up an appointment. Our orthopedic team can find out what is causing joint pain or provide treatment for joint injuries.