How to Manage Your Hip Pain through the Winter

Winter is filled with cozy blankets, warm drinks, and the joy of holidays. Yet, for many, it is also a time when health issues like hip pain tend to flare up, thanks to such factors as changes in atmospheric pressure and reduced physical activity. 

At SEPA Pain & Spine in southeastern Pennsylvania, our team provides specialized care and expert treatments for your hip pain. We can help you manage hip pain so you can join in the holiday festivities pain-free. 

First, we want to help you understand why your hip pain intensifies in the winter. 

Why does hip pain worsen in winter?

During winter, hip pain can worsen for several reasons. One significant factor is reduced physical activity. When it's cold outside, you're likely to spend more time inside reading and streaming movies and are less likely to exercise.

Because you’re less active in the winter, your muscles tighten up, which can trigger hip pain. 

To counter this, try to maintain a moderate level of activity during the winter months. Physical activity also helps your body release endorphins, a group of hormones that are natural painkillers.

Changes in barometric pressure could also trigger hip pain. Winter storms mean lower barometric pressure, which can cause your tissues to expand and contract, leading to increased hip pain. 

While you can't control the weather, you can prepare for it by monitoring forecasts and planning your activities accordingly.

Temperature sensitivity also plays a role. Your tissues and muscles surrounding your hip joint can contract during cold weather, making them tense and more susceptible to pain. 

Keep your home warm and use heating pads to relieve muscle tension.

Tips for managing hip pain in winter

You don’t have to suffer with hip pain. These tips may help you find relief.

Physical exercise

Without a doubt, our No. 1 tip is to stay active during the winter months. While you may not feel like hitting the gym, even a simple 20-minute indoor walk can make a difference. 

A treadmill works fine, but walking around your home or an indoor facility is also effective. Consider low-impact aerobic exercises like swimming in an indoor, heated pool. It offers the benefits of resistance without straining your hip joint. 

Additionally, targeted exercises aimed at strengthening your hip muscles can provide long-term relief. Our team can suggest specific exercises that should work for you.

Pain management techniques

When it comes to pain management, you have a few options. Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen can provide quick, temporary relief, but contact us for more long-term solutions. 

In the meantime, try alternating hot and cold compresses. A hot compress relaxes and loosens tissues and stimulates blood flow, while a cold compress reduces inflammation and numbs the area. Topical analgesics like creams or gels can also provide short-term relief.

Dietary adjustments and supplements

Your diet plays a significant role in managing hip pain. Anti-inflammatory foods like those rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation. These can be found in fish like salmon or tuna, in walnuts, in eggs, or in flaxseeds. 

Supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine have shown some promise in reducing joint pain, although more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

When to seek professional help

If you find that your hip pain persists or worsens despite your best efforts, seek professional medical help. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing any health condition effectively. 

At SEPA Pain & Spine, we specialize in easing hip pain by providing a range of treatments that include medication, physical therapy, spine injections, and platelet-rich plasma therapy.

Take action now to ensure your winter is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible by clicking here to request a consultation at one of our offices in Horsham, Langhorne, Meadowbrook, Chalfont, East Norriton, or Limerick, Pennsylvania, or by calling 855-235-7246.