Don't Let Joint Pain Derail Your Holiday Fun: 5 Tips for a Pain-Free Season

The holidays are a time for celebration and the festive spirit, not for dealing with the harsh realities of chronic joint pain. It doesn’t matter what type of arthritis you have, inflammatory episodes can dampen your spirits and spoil the fun of the season. 

At Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management in West Des Moines and Des Moines, Iowa, we’re ready to help you with a comprehensive joint pain management plan designed around your needs. For now, though, here are five tips to help you enjoy a pain-free holiday season.

1. Stay warm

We all know that December in Iowa is a long way from beach weather. Average highs in Des Moines aren’t far above freezing, so you can help your joints feel and function better simply by dressing appropriately. 

Dress in layers so you can change your comfort level quickly. Thermal gloves and socks help keep hands and feet toasty, setting the tone for your entire body. It’s easy to find heated vests and other clothing that run off rechargeable batteries. 

Indoors, use heating pads, heated blankets, warm baths, or whatever else you need to keep warm. Chills can aggravate joint pain and limit mobility. 

2. Maintain your sleep cycle

Sleep is precious, and for pain control, it’s essential. Don’t fall victim to the moment and let the temptations of late-night parties keep you from your closely guarded circadian rhythms. Go early, enjoy, and leave early. You can thank yourself in the morning. 

3. Keep active

Exercise is often the first thing people skip when trying to make more time in a busy holiday schedule. If you already know the benefits of low-impact activities for reducing pain and maintaining function, then you’ll notice the fallback when you miss your daily motion fix. 

Add seated exercises if you’re traveling long distances in a car or plane. 

4. Watch what you eat

Foods that boost inflammation are your enemies, no matter how tasty they are in their festive forms. Alcohol, sugars, and processed foods are often holiday favorites. 

Avoid temptation, indulge in moderation, and load up on fruits and veggies to limit cravings and urges. Nuts and berries are often served in seasonal settings, so indulge in these natural anti-inflammatories. 

5. Manage your seasonal stress

When providing holiday favorites for others falls on you, beware of overloading yourself. Stress can trigger chemical changes in your body that cause joint pain. Learning to say no may be your best defence against holiday burnout, fatigue, and increased pain. 

You can make the most of the holidays even with chronic pain in your life. Contact us at Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management when you need help getting over the hump. Call or click today to schedule an appointment at our nearest location.