Why do old fractures hurt more during winter? Simple ways to subside pain

A drop in temperature can impact our bodies in varied ways, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or old injuries like fractures. Although these old injuries seem to have been healed, they often resurface with pain and discomfort with the low temperature.
When the temperature drops, the body constricts the blood vessels in order to conserve body heat. Due to this, we observe muscle tension and stiffness, which affect the joint mobility as well. The decrease in blood flow during the lower temperatures causes the muscles to receive less oxygen and nutrition, which can also increase the chances of injuries. Joints lose their original range of flexibility and become stiffer and cause discomfort.

Link between pain in old injuries and winter:

Atmospheric Pressure:

According to Dr. Prateek Gupta Consultant, Orthopaedics, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad, “With a variation in the atmospheric pressure, there is a change in the internal body function. The body fluids, especially around the knees and ankles, are directly impacted due to the temperature. The air pressure also drops in the cold weather, leading to the expansion of gas and liquids in the body. The expanding fluids collect around the knees and ankles, causing pressure, which can trigger the pain in an old injury.”

Decrease in fluidity:

The joints in the body are surrounded with fluids in order to lubricate them and to prevent shock. With a drop in temperature, the body becomes dehydrated as the moisture levels reduce. This causes the bodily fluids to also become more thick, causing a restriction in their flow, which in turn makes the joints stiff.

Nerve sensitivity:

The body reacts to various environmental changes, seeing them as stimuli. The cold temperature also acts as a stimulus, resulting in the nerves becoming more sensitive. The nerves, when reacting to the cold environment, get stimulated and may end up inducing pain in old injuries.

How to soothe the pain?

Layering up:

In the chilly months, the blood vessels constrict in order to retain body heat. Wear adequate clothing and layer up properly to sustain an optimal internal body temperature. This will bring comfort to the body and the joints. To help even further, stiffness can be treated with hot packs, warm baths, and light exercise to increase the circulation within the body.

Exercising and Mobility:

Exercises that do not impact or trigger old injuries are a good start. Physical activities like cycling, gentle exercise, and stretches pose to be an effective method of maintaining mobility without straining old injuries. They reduce stiffness, increase circulation, and relieve pain.

Diet and Hydration:

Consumption of anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, fatty fish, berries, turmeric, and ginger contributes to healing the body, promotes joint health and can aid injury. The body requires adequate hydration levels to function smoothly. In the winter months, the body loses its moisture due to the dry atmosphere. Water helps to lubricate the joints and flush out the toxins. Hence, making it a key point to stay hydrated is essential.
Other factors that can aid in relieving the pain in old injuries by soothing the joints and preventing injuries from occurring are quality sleep, stress levels, deep breathing, meditation, and others.
In case where there is no relief, the patient should consider seeking professional advice. One can consult with a physical therapist who can guide the patient to practice exercise accordingly. A massage therapist can also aid blood flow and circulation levels in the body, reducing pain. In extreme cases, if the bone is not aligned or there is a metallic implant in situ, the patient might have to undergo surgery for bone alignment or implant removal.