http://www.healthline.com/hlcmsresource/images/slideshow/arthritis-hand-exercises/285x285_Hand_Exercises_To_Ease_Arthritis_Pain_1.jpg Unfortunately, aches and pains are expected as part of growing older. Have you ever found yourself saying you can predict the weather by how and where you hurt at that given moment? Most of us in that situation blame this discomfort to colder temperatures and wet weather. In actuality, both of those my be falsely accused. According to the Arthritis Foundation, studies have shown it is more likely that the culprit is not the present storm but the weather system (hi's and low's) that brings the storm that causes our pain to increase. This pattern of hi's and low's are called the atmospheric pressure or barometric pressure. This 'pressure' is what brings the current flow of air in different pressure and directions that change the weather. It also puts pressure on our bodies. Inflammation causes expansion in soft tissues and joints. If the pressure on the outside of the body is greater than normal these structures have no room to expand and that is what brings on "weather predictions". The Arthritis Foundation recommends dressing warmly, in non-restrictive layers and stay as dry as possible. Note that most of our heat leaves us through our head, cor and extremities. So, pay special attention to those areas. https://www.arthritiswa.org.au/content/page/winter-amp-arthritis.html Comparison of Normal Joints and Arthritic Joints
Winter brings the colder temperatures, snow and ice as well as risks for injury different from summer. Everyone knows that you have to bundle up to keep warm during cold weather and we've always been advised wear layers to better insulate while covering up as much as possible but what about when it gets really cold? For those of us who live in the south it is unusual to have temperatures in the single digits or even below freezing. This year we have had more severely cold days and nights than we have had in years! Preparing for this drastic change requires some definite planning-more planning than running to the store to buy out all the bread and milk!
Be Prepared
To be truly ready for extreme weather like this you need to have alternate forms of heat source readily available and flashlights with fresh batteries in case power goes out due to power lines being overweight by ice. Protect plumbing by wrapping exterior piping to insulate from the cold and if it drops below freezing run a small stream of hot water through each faucet to prevent water from freezing inside the pipes, which can burst. If these drastic temps can damage plumbing, imagine what it could do to exposed skin! Frostbite causes damage to skin and underlying tissue from extremely cold temperatures that adversely affect blood flow. When blood flow is restricted to any part of the body, that part begins to die.
What increases your chances of developing frostbite?
Taking Beta Blockers (a type of blood pressure medicine)
Smoking (damages blood vessels which can lead to PVD)
Diabetes (again, can lead to PVD)
Raynaud's Phenomenon (abnormal constriction of blood vessels impeding blood flow)
Taking extending periods of time in extreme cold with no breaks to warm up
Signs of Frostbite
painful, burning, prickly or itchy sensation followed by numbness
red skin that turns pale, white and turns hard-possible waxy in appearance
throbbing areas of skin
clumsiness-not able to control muscles and joints
loss of feeling in the affected area
white skin that turns bright red and painful when warmed
blisters and black color can develop if conditions persist (these advanced signs indicate gangrene or death of tissue, which may involve skin, muscle, tendons, nerves and bone)
Frostbite can occur anywhere on the body but areas exposed the most are likely to be at risk: fingers, toes, nose, ears and even apple of the cheeks.
Protect Yourself
stay in a warm environment whenever possible
wear layers of clothing to insulate
keep covered as much as possible. especially extremities, ears nose and face
do not wear anything constricting
stay as dry and remove wet clothing quickly
if you must me in the cold, get to warmth as soon and as often as possible
Treating Frostbite
remove person from cold to warmer area promptly
remove any wet clothing and constricting items such as jewelry
place affected area in warm (never hot) water or cover with warm wash clothes for 20-30 mins
put gauze between fingers/toes to keep them separate
do not rub area and try to move it as little as possible
wrap area in gauze (if available) to protect from further damage and to keep warm
give warm drinks to keep body temperature and hydration up
Do Not-
thaw frostbitten area if there is no way to keep it from refreezing (refreezing causes more damage)
rub
disturb any blisters present
use direct dry heat (can cause burns)
smoke or drink alcohol during recovery phase due to the effects both have of circulation
Important! Seek medical treatment for any area that does not return to normal color and sensation after being warmed.
