4 Summer Safety Tips for Rheumatoid Arthritis

From everydayhealth.com

For people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), warmer summer weather can be a welcome change that soothes swollen joints or it can bring greater inflammation and fatigue.

While colder weather has often been associated with increased pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis, there are a few reasons that summer might not bring relief. Higher humidity has been linked to greater joint pain in people with arthritis, and hot weather can increase the risk for dehydration or lead to a lack of physical activity.

Here’s what you can do to help control joint pain and protect your overall health in the summertime.

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1. Stay Cool

Keeping yourself cool when it’s hot and humid outside may help limit joint swelling and pain in RA.

While there’s limited evidence on the connection between weather and rheumatoid arthritis, one research review found that temperature and atmospheric pressure can affect a person’s tender or swollen joint count.

“Humidity impacts pressure, so it can alter the pressure in your joints, and you can feel that,” says Micaela Bayard, MD, a rheumatologist at Mount Sinai in New York City. What’s more, “Going from one temperature to another can cause a sudden shift in that pressure in your joints,” she says.

Some steps that can help you stay cool include:

• Use air-conditioning. Consider staying inside an air-conditioned space when it’s hot outside.
• Use cooling aids. If you go outside in the heat, a cooling vest, cold packs, or even a damp cloth on the back of your neck can help you cool down.
• Stay hydrated. Getting enough fluids ensures that your body can cool off by sweating, while avoiding dangerous symptoms of dehydration.

“There’s two parts to hydration,” says Dr. Bayard. “It’s fluid intake and also making sure you’re not taking in too much sodium or salt so that the fluid doesn’t get stuck” and fail to reach areas of your body where it’s needed.

2. Be Aware of Sun Sensitivity and Medications

Certain medications for rheumatoid arthritis — including methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine — can cause sun sensitivity (photosensitivity), increasing your risk for sunburn or skin irritation when you’re outdoors.

“Photosensitivity can lead to more severe sunburn than expected,” says Ambreesh Chawla, MD, a rheumatologist at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. For anyone taking medications for RA, “It’s a good idea to review potential sun-related side effects with their rheumatologist or pharmacist,” he says.

The following steps are important if you’re taking a medication that can increase sun sensitivity, according to Dr. Chawla:

• Avoid prolonged sun exposure when possible.
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Wear sun-protective clothing, including an appropriate hat.
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses.

Chawla says that certain biologic drugs for RA may not increase sun sensitivity but are linked to a higher risk for skin cancer — making it even more important to reduce that risk by protecting your skin from the sun.

3. Practice Smart Summer Movement

Staying active is important for joint health in people with rheumatoid arthritis, but outdoor activity in hot weather can increase the risk for dehydration and fatigue.

When it’s especially hot and sunny, “Consider moving your activity indoors, or you can do your outdoor activity once the sun has gone down or somewhere that’s shaded,” Bayard says.

“It’s important to always pace yourself, stay well hydrated, and take frequent breaks,” Chawla say. “Always carry a water bottle and listen to your body, watching for signs of overheating,” such as unusual fatigue or dizziness.

Here are some activity tips for hot summer weather:

• Do low-impact exercise. A stationary bicycle, an elliptical machine, or water-based exercises can all provide a workout with less stress on your joints.
• Stay cool in the pool. Swimming and other aquatic exercises have the added benefit of helping your body stay cool.
• Footwear matters. For scheduled exercise or just walking around, choose breathable, supportive shoes instead of casual shoes or sandals.

4. Keep Medications Safe on the Road

For some people, it wouldn’t be summer without hitting the road on a trip. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, packing your medications may require some extra attention.

“Talk with your pharmacist about which medications need refrigeration,” says Bayard. “A lot of the injectables can be out of the refrigerator, but then they have to be used within a certain time period.”

For medications that require constant refrigeration, Chawla recommends using a dedicated travel cooler — separate from any larger cooler with food items — to ensure a consistent temperature. “Once you arrive at your destination, immediately transfer any temperature-sensitive medications to a refrigerator,” he says.

Both Bayard and Chawla recommend packing more of your medication than you think you’ll need for your trip, in case of any unexpected events or delays.

If you’re travelling by plane, Bayard and Chawla say you should:

• Pack all medications in your carry-on bag or a separate cooler.
• Keep all medications in their original labelled containers.
• Carry a note from your doctor explaining your health conditions and medications, including refrigeration needs.

Don’t pack your medication in a checked bag — your bag could get lost, and luggage in airplanes can undergo wide variations in temperature.

Some general suggestions for traveling include:

• Pack lightly. Don’t take heavy or bulky bags or backpacks that could put strain on your joints.
• Don’t overschedule. You may need time to rest or catch up on sleep, since rheumatoid arthritis can cause fatigue.
• Keep moving on travel days. Make frequent stops or get up from your seat to move your body and stretch.
• Pay attention to your diet “With travel, people tend to let loose on their diet. Be really conscious of salt and alcohol intake, especially in the heat — it just dehydrates you so quickly,” says Bayard.

The Takeaway

• Excess heat and humidity can increase joint pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis, especially if you limit your movement or become dehydrated.
• Sun protection is especially important if you take a medication that increases sun sensitivity or a biologic drug that could increase your risk for skin cancer.
• Stay active, but modify your physical activity as needed to stay cool on hot summer days.
• When travelling, pack extra medication and pay attention to refrigeration needs. Stay active and limit your alcohol and salt intake while on vacation.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/summer-safety-tips-for-ra/

How to manage summer arthritis flare-ups

From echolive.ie

Understanding why the hot weather impacts arthritis, and how to manage it, can make a world of difference - here, we ask an expert in the field why it happens at this time of year , and he offers advice on ways to cope 

For many, summer conjures images of sunshine, holidays, and long, warm evenings.

But for those living with arthritis, rising temperatures can bring a less pleasant reality: painful flare-ups.

While cold weather is commonly associated with joint stiffness and discomfort, heat and humidity can be equally problematic - often leading to swelling, fatigue and increased pain.

We spoke with Matt Daly, a member of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists and faculty member of the Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine in the UK, who shed light on the science behind heat-related flare-ups.

He has offered some practical tips to help manage symptoms to help you make the most of the glorious summer months.

Periods of rest, anti-inflammatories, and staying hydrated can all help alleviate arthritis symptoms

What factors may exacerbate arthritis symptoms in the summer?

“It depends on the type of arthritis,” says Daly.

“For some people with the autoimmune condition of rheumatoid arthritis, they can become quite sensitive with increased temperatures, which is more to do with how their immune system is responding to the inflammation.

“For those who have osteoarthritis, there is a suggestion that weather changes, like humidity or barometric pressure, increases the stiffness in people’s hands.

“Some studies also tell us that increases in barometric pressure and humidity in hip arthritis, for example, made people feel more pain regardless of the severity of their arthritis.

“However, other studies have not shown a link, so the evidence isn’t clear yet about the relationship with weather and arthritis.”

There is also some research that suggests that dehydration may impact synovial fluid production.

“The theoretical link with hydration is that when we are hydrated, systemically, it filters into all our body systems,” says Sussex based physiotherapist Daly.

“So, if you’re well hydrated, your kidneys work very well and your skin absorbs some of that, and then at a joint level, the theory is that it helps support and hydrate the synovial fluid.

“It may be that being dehydrated affects the synovial fluid which can make joints feel stiff or sensitive.

“But the actual evidence is hard to prove at a joint level.

“We just know that when you’re hydrated, your whole system works better.”

Daly adds: “Some people also find that an increase in heat affects their nervous system so that they feel more pain where others would feel that in the cold.”

However, the expert emphasises that it ultimately comes down to individual factors and people’s comfort in various weather conditions.

If you are someone that struggles with arthritis flare-ups in the heat, here are some tips on how to manage it...

Have a period of rest

“The advice with pain and stiffness that’s particularly bad is to have a period of relative rest,” recommends Daly.

“Relative rest often means cutting down on activities that provoke the pain.

“In the heat, people are often less inclined to move around, so a period of rest for a few days is very sensible for some people.”

Try anti-inflammatories

“People can turn to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like ibuprofen or naproxen,” suggests Daly.

“For people who might struggle with that, such as asthmatics or people who’ve got tummy problems, they can use a topical anti-inflammatory where you put a cream or a gel on and you let that dry in.”

Put the affected area in cool water

“For some, putting their hands or whole body in cool water can have a positive effect,” highlights Daly.

Keep in the shade

“Staying out of the sun is generally good advice, because you can increase heat, fatigue and dehydration from being in the directly in the sun,” says Daly.

Wear lighter and cooler clothing

“If some people have clothing made from cotton or cooler materials that can help keep your whole body cool,” notes Daly.

Stay hydrated

“Sipping cool water throughout the day is very sensible,” says Daly.

“What we don’t want to see is people taking gallons and gallons of water, which just flushes out their system and can get rid of important electrolytes.”

Listen to your body

“Listening to your body is very important,” emphasises Daly.

“If someone starts to struggle with their own self-management, and their hands become very red or hot and particularly swollen for example, then that generally requires some attention from a professional,” he concludes.

https://www.echolive.ie/corkviews/arid-41654390.html

Expert reveals the factors that may exacerbate arthritis symptoms

From independent.co.uk

• Hot weather can trigger arthritis flare-ups, leading to swelling, fatigue, and increased discomfort, according to Matt Daly of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists.
• Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers may become sensitive to increased temperatures due to their immune system's response to inflammation, while those with osteoarthritis may experience increased stiffness due to humidity or barometric pressure changes.
• Dehydration may impact synovial fluid production, potentially causing joints to feel stiff or sensitive, although direct evidence is hard to prove.
• Managing arthritis flare-ups in the heat includes relative rest, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or topical creams, cooling the affected area with water, staying in the shade, wearing light clothing, and staying hydrated.
• It is important to listen to your body and seek professional help if self-management is not effective, especially if your hands become very red, hot, and swollen.

https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/lifestyle/arthritis-flare-up-rheumatoid-osteoarthritis-advice-b2769678.html 

How to manage arthritis flare-ups this summer

From the-independent.com/life-style 

Understanding why the hot weather impacts arthritis and how to manage it can make a world of difference

For many, summer conjures images of sunshine, holidays, and long, warm evenings. But for those living with arthritis, rising temperatures can bring a less pleasant reality: painful flare-ups.

While cold weather is commonly associated with joint stiffness and discomfort, heat and humidity can be equally problematic – often leading to swelling, fatigue and increased pain.

We spoke with Matt Daly, a member of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists and faculty member of Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine, who shed light on the science behind heat-related flare-ups and has offered some practical tips to help manage symptoms to help you make the most of the glorious summer months.

What factors may exacerbate arthritis symptoms in the summer?

“It depends on the type of arthritis,” says Daly. “For some people with the autoimmune condition of rheumatoid arthritis, they can become quite sensitive with increased temperatures, which is more to do with how their immune system is responding to the inflammation.

“For those who have osteoarthritis, there is a suggestion that weather changes, like humidity or barometric pressure, increases the stiffness in people’s hands. Some studies also tell us that increases in barometric pressure and humidity in hip arthritis, for example, made people feel more pain regardless of the severity of their arthritis. However, other studies have not shown a link, so the evidence isn’t clear yet about the relationship with weather and arthritis.”

There is also some research that suggests that dehydration may impact synovial fluid production.

“The theoretical link with hydration is that when we are hydrated, systemically, it filters into all our body systems,” says the East-Sussex based physiotherapist. “So, if you’re well hydrated, your kidneys work very well and your skin absorbs some of that, and then at a joint level, the theory is that it helps support and hydrate the synovial fluid.

“It may be that being dehydrated affects the synovial fluid which can makes joints feel stiff or sensitive. But the actual evidence is hard to prove at a joint level. We just know that when you’re hydrated, your whole system works better.”

Daly adds: “Some people also find that an increase in heat affects their nervous system so that they feel more pain where others would feel that in the cold.”

However, he emphasises that it ultimately comes down to individual factors and people’s comfort in various weather conditions.

If you are someone that struggles with arthritis flare-ups in the heat, here are some tips on how to manage it…

Have a period of relative rest

“The advice with pain and stiffness that’s particularly bad is to have a period of relative rest,” recommends Daly. “Relative rest often means cutting down on activities that provoke the pain. In the heat, people are often less inclined to move around, so a period of rest for a few days is very sensible for some people.”

Try anti-inflammatories

“People can turn to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like  ibuprofen or naproxen,” suggests Daly. “For people who might struggle with that, such as asthmatics or people who’ve got tummy problems, they can use a topical anti-inflammatory where you put a cream or a gel on and you let that dry in.”

Put the affected area in cool water

“For some, putting their hands or whole body in cool water can have a positive effect,” highlights Daly.

Keep in the shade

“Staying out of the sun is generally good advice, because you can increase heat, fatigue and dehydration from being in the directly in the sun,” says Daly.

Wear lighter and cooler clothing

“If some people have clothing made from cotton or cooler materials that can help keep your whole body cool,” notes Daly.

Stay hydrated

“Sipping cool water throughout the day is very sensible,” says Daly. “What we don’t want to see is people taking gallons and gallons of water, which just flushes out their system and can get rid of important electrolytes.”

Listen to your body

“Listening to your body is very important,” emphasises Daly. “If someone starts to struggle with their own self management, and their hands become very red or hot and particularly swollen for example, then that generally requires some attention from a professional.”

https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/health-and-families/people-b2768962.html

Sore joints in the summertime? Drink more water

From novanthealth.org

Staying hydrated helps ward off arthritis pain during the hottest and most physically active time of year 

Changes in the weather can aggravate arthritis pain for people living with joint inflammation.

You might think you’re home free in the summer, but that’s not always the case. Even though swelling and stiffness are felt most during the winter, arthritis can flare up even in the hottest months. And while studies have not conclusively connected joint pain to the weather, the Arthritis Foundation finds that humidity and temperature do affect how our bodies feel overall.

Dr. Edward Blocker

But arthritis — which affects about 60 million adults and 200,000 children in the U.S. — has less to do with climate and more with our level of physical activity, said orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Edward Blocker of Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - Beaufort.

Nicer weather means the risk of injuries like falls and sprains goes up, especially for older adults. But when approached with care, regular exercise can reduce joint pain while strengthening your heart and helping you maintain a healthy weight.

One key to less pain? Drinking water, and lots of it.

“Because we sweat more when it’s hot and humid, hydrating helps to replenish fluids, lubricate the joints and fight inflammation while staying active,” Blocker said.

Here, he discusses how he helps patients prevent joint pain all year long.

Do people experience more arthritis pain when it’s hotter and more humid outside?

Usually it’s just the opposite. In the colder months, joints get stiffer than usual, but people are generally more active when it’s warmer outside, so that can accentuate joint pain in a different way.

The more active you are the better, because your joints are moving. But it’s important to be careful because humidity is a variable, and I think as the atmospheric pressure declines, some people seem to hurt more. When we sweat, we’re losing water, and dehydration can stiffen the joints.

What types of arthritis do you treat most often?

Every one of us gets some form of arthritis at some point in our lives. Think of your car’s tires: You put 75,000 miles on them, and that rubber is going to wear down. The same goes for wear-and-tear on your joints.

I mostly treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which are both chronic. Osteoarthritis is most common in older adults and is a degenerative wear-and-tear of the cartilage, the cushion between the bones. As we age, our cartilage wears out and doesn’t have the ability to heal like other body tissues.

Your immune system is supposed to attack viruses and bacteria. But with rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks the cartilage. The less cartilage, the greater the pain. Some people live with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and the latter can even affect kids.

Can cracking your knuckles cause problems down the road?

It could. When you pop your knuckle there’s a kind of suction phenomenon that happens. The joint of a finger knuckle is a rounded bone sitting inside of a little socket. There’s fluid in the joint, so when you crack your knuckles, it has the effect of a mini jackhammer. That can damage the cartilage, especially if you do it repeatedly. I had a bad habit of popping my big toes, and now I have terrible arthritis in those joints.

When is surgery necessary for arthritis, versus a shot or an over-the-counter remedy?

Usually by the time a patient sees an orthopaedist, they’re beyond taking an Advil every now and then. So the first line of treatment is activity modification, which may involve backing away from sports like running, and transitioning to lower-impact activities like walking, swimming or pickleball.

The next step might be over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatories, or a cortisone (steroid) shot to treat the inflammation and manage pain.

We’re born with hyaline cartilage, which wears out as we get older. And because we can’t make it grow back, sometimes that requires a knee replacement — and that’s the final option.

My philosophy is that your knee will tell you when it’s time. Sometimes an X-ray shows severe arthritis, but the patient is having only mild symptoms, so I won’t push for a knee replacement. I’ve never told anybody they need a knee replacement. It becomes self-evident, once you ask them what their life is like. And I believe the physician should listen to the patient.

https://www.novanthealth.org/healthy-headlines/sore-joints-in-the-summertime

What I Wish I Knew About How Each Season Would Affect My Psoriatic Arthritis

From health.com

By Elizabeth Medeiros

I love living in New England, where I experience all four seasons. Winters are snowy and intense, spring is a welcome relief, summers are hot and sunny, and fall brings the most beautiful colours to nature.

But the ever-changing weather isn't something my psoriatic arthritis (PsA) appreciates. Living with an unpredictable autoimmune disease is challenging, but it's even more complicated when your environment is constantly changing. As the seasons change, so do my symptoms.

I've often been told how I should consider moving to Arizona for the steady, dry heat. And people are likely right that my joints would be happier there.

But the Northeast is my home, so I've had to learn to adapt. There are two parts I try to understand when adapting for the source of the pain: the lifestyle change that comes with the seasons and the science behind the weather. Understanding both helps me know how to tackle each symptom.

Your experiences may differ depending on where you live, but here's what it has been like for me.

I Didn't Realize Spring Showers Brought Achy Joints

You know what they say about how April showers bring May flowers. But in addition to flowers, April showers can also bring a lot of joint pain. 

You might have heard that people with arthritis can tell when the rain is coming because their joints start acting up. It might not just be a made-up saying. My joints don't like the rain and always ache on rainy days—I now know a lot of people with arthritis feel the same.

Why the Rain May Hurt

My doctor explained to me a theory as to why rainy weather may worsen my arthritis: Rainy, wet weather is usually associated with low barometric (air) pressure. The low pressure on the joints causes tissues to swell, leading to pain. Research on whether weather actually plays a role and, if so, how it does is mixed. Whatever the science may say, I know I feel it.

Rainy weather also tends to keep me cooped up indoors, so I'm less likely to get up and stretch.

However, spring isn't all doom and gloom. While the rain can irritate joints, the warmer temperature makes them feel better. And it feels great to put away the snow boots and heavy coats and start to go for more walks outside again, which makes my hips feel better.

Ways To Handle Air Pressure Changes

When it's rainy in the spring, I do my best not to leave the house. The pressure in my well-sealed home is usually better than the air outside. I also try not to open the door much because even that slight change in air pressure can trigger my arthritis. I rarely dealt with rainy day pain when I lived in an apartment because no one was opening the door directly to the outside.

When I do go out, it's time for compression. Compression socks, gloves, and even garments can be so comforting. The extra pressure around painful, swollen joints helps. Plus, they keep me warm during those deceivingly chilly spring days, keeping me from getting too stiff.

I Didn't Realize Summer Has So Many Triggers

As a kid, I loved summer break. I spent the entire summer by the pool or on my bike. But as an adult, it's not always my favourite. While I love the warmth and stay active during the summer with swimming and gardening, everything seems more irritating now. From the sun to the return of all the bugs, there's always something that can make me uncomfortable.

Why the Summer Is So Irritating

Heat can be helpful for PsA. For instance, I love my heating pads during flare-ups. But too much heat can make me swell, which can be really uncomfortable. It can also rain more in the summer, which brings a lot of pain. I tend to spend a fair amount of time inside, enjoying the air conditioning.

The summer also brings a lot of random triggers for me, such as bug bites and sunburns. I've found that anything that can bring on more inflammation can irritate my PsA. I always get a flare-up after my first round of mosquito bites.

                                                                  Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth Medeiros

How To Handle the Warmest Season

First and foremost, stay hydrated. Dehydration can increase joint and overall body pain and cause fatigue. Also, wear protective clothing and sunblock to protect your skin since getting a burn can trigger a skin flare-up.

My pain always lessens when I'm more active (after the initial hump of getting back in shape, that is). I try to take advantage of any opportunity to be active in the summer. Swimming is a great activity—taking a dip in the cool water can help ease joint swelling, and it's an excellent low-impact exercise for your joints.

Additionally, take care when it comes to bugs. I am a mosquito magnet, so I try to avoid areas with many mosquitoes. Unfortunately, I live near a wooded pond. The things that have helped keep my yard (somewhat) bug-free include spraying the yard with cedar oil for an eco-friendly pesticide, using fans when sitting outdoors, and dumping out any standing water.

I Didn't Know We Fall Back Into Low-Pressure Systems

Everyone loves autumn—cosy harvest vibes, spooky Halloween decorations, and pumpkin spice lattes. And finally, the intense heat of the summer is over. It's a time to get outside and enjoy nature.

But change is in the air! The chilly mornings can make morning stiffness worse. Not to mention, the closer we get to winter, the rainier and colder it gets. It can be hard to adjust to these two factors.

Why Changes Can Hurt

Fall is an interesting adjustment for me. It may or may not affect you as badly. The weather is starting to get a little more chilly and damp, and the shift in temperature can be jarring after enjoying a warm summer. Personally, my joints don't appreciate the chilly mornings, and I tend to wake up stiffer. It's not the worst time for me, arthritis-wise, but I definitely still feel it.

Healthwise, colds and coughs start to come around again. Getting sick can make arthritis symptoms feel worse and cause flare-ups. My first cold always lands me in a flare-up.

How To Handle This In-Between Time

Fall is that weird time when you dress warmly in the morning and then remove layers throughout the day as the temperature rises. While this may seem annoying, it's actually the perfect way to dress. Hot and cold can be comforting for joints affected by PsA, so layers mean you can adjust as needed. Most of the time, my joints feel better when kept warm. But cooling down also helps when I have swelling.

My joints often flare up whenever I'm sick, and it can take a while for them to calm down. Fall is when a lot of seasonal illnesses start going around. And so, beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter, I'm extra cautious about avoiding getting sick. The fall is a good time to practice hand hygiene, stock up on cold remedies and cleaning supplies, and consider getting a flu shot.

I Didn't Realize Winter Chill Made Me Stiffer

Winter can be a beautiful time of year, especially if you live somewhere where it snows. I love the holiday season and all the cheer it brings. And even after all the festivities are over, there are still some fun winter activities to participate in.

But the cold, snow, and ice can be tough for anyone to endure, especially people with PsA. It's a time when most people stay indoors and become less active. Not to mention, flu season is in full swing, which is always a worrying time since I use biologics.

Why the Chill Hurts

I've heard that many people with arthritis feel a lot of pain in the winter. New England gets storms that bring low pressure throughout the year, but intense, low-pressure storms are a constant in the winter. So, in the winter, we're dealing with snow, sleet, and rain!

Even without snow, the drop in temperature alone can be brutal. When I feel cold, I usually tense up, leading to stiff joints.

I recently experienced a cold snap on a trip to Florida, and I wasn't prepared for it despite my hometown being colder. I was in so much pain from holding my joints and all my muscles so stiffly. Anytime I tried to be active, I felt like I was pulling my muscles.

Ways To Handle the Cold

Ultimately, keeping warm helps me a lot in the winter. I try to find ways to stay active indoors. I like going to the gym and walking around the mall.

Wear layers for insulation when you are out. I learned quickly during my Florida vacation that multiple layers make a big difference—a pair of fleece pyjama pants under my sweatpants was a lifesaver!

Wear the right gear if you're heading out in snowy or icy conditions. Wear good boots with good traction to prevent falls, since injuries are more likely to make you have a flare-up.7 (Last winter was miserable after I slipped on the black ice and fell on my hip.) Invest in snow pants and insulating mittens for outdoor activities to keep your joints warm.

My husband and I love winter activities like snowshoeing, tubing, and going to snow festivals. They're great ways to keep active during the dark, cold time. But because we have the right gear, we're never cold during these activities.

Good Advice for Any Season

Of course, the best thing you can do all year round is try to keep your PsA under control. Using any medications or therapies on a regular schedule goes a long way. If you need to set a phone reminder or use a calendar to remember to take any medication, do it.

Keeping up with your disease management can be especially helpful when you're weathering a change in the season. For me, nothing hurts worse than missing a dose at the start of a rainy period.

https://www.health.com/what-i-wish-i-knew-elizabeth-medeiros-11697172