Medical City Healthcare | Take Care | Fall 2018

Do joints ache more in winter? EAT HEALTHY Load up on foods rich in: > > Omega-3 fatty acids. Think salmon and nuts to curb inflammation. > > Vitamin K. Try spinach, kale and cabbage for their pain- soothing properties. > > Vitamin C. Add color to your diet with juicy oranges, sweet red peppers and tomatoes, and other C-rich foods to halt the cartilage loss (and resulting pain) that comes with arthritis. SUPPLEMENT WITH D Vitamin D can help keep your bones strong and prevent joint pain. Look for a supple- ment with 1,000 milligrams of D 3 (the kind your body manu- factures from sunlight), but ask your doctor first to avoid interactions with prescription and over-the-counter drugs. KEEP MOVING One reason cold weather is linked to joint pain is that people are less likely to work out when it’s chilly and damp. Being a couch potato is bad news, because exercise helps lubricate joints to prevent pain. Solution? Bring your work- out indoors! Choose low-impact moves that are easy on joints, such as walking, yoga or tai chi. Lifting weights can help build joint-supporting muscles. Source: Sharecare.com IS HIP OR KNEE PAIN SLOWING YOU DOWN? Take our free joint health assessment at MedicalCityOrthopedics.com . Your life with healthy joints is waiting. Prevent the pain. Avoid refined grains and foods high in omega-6 fatty acids, such as corn oil, which may trigger painful inflammation. 3 ways to relieve joint pain when it’s cold “Every mile is two in winter,” said poet George Herbert. Many people with arthritis or joint pain couldn’t agree more. But can the elements really make your joints ache? The scientific evidence is conflicting. Some studies find a strong relationship between short, cold, damp days and arthritis flare-ups. Research from Tufts Univer- sity suggests that changes in barometric pressure worsen knee pain in people with arthritis, while colder temps can cause painful changes in joint fluid thickness. Other studies have found little or no link between weather and joint pain. Whether your aches are sparked by the weather or something else, these tips can help you feel better. Joint health 14