The Thanksgiving holiday is a time to relax, enjoy the company of loved ones, and take a well-deserved break from daily routines. But for individuals living with joint pain, the general busyness of the season can quickly lead to discomfort and stiffness. Whether you’re traveling to visit family, spending hours on your feet in the kitchen, or hosting guests at home, here’s how to keep your joints comfortable and your body moving safely throughout the busy holiday season.
What Causes Joint Pain?
Joint pain causes in adults can vary widely, but some are more common than others. Unfortunately, the stress of the holiday season is a common trigger of hip, knee, and other joint pain flare-ups. Here are a few of the most common causes of joint pain during the holidays:
- Osteoarthritis - This is the most common type of arthritis. It happens as you age and the cartilage that lines your joints wears down. During the holiday season, prolonged periods of standing while cooking, or even increased walking while shopping, can exacerbate this pain.
- Changing weather - The holiday season often brings colder weather. When it is cold outside, we tend to move around or exercise less, reducing flexibility and, therefore, causing more joint pain.
- Weight fluctuations - We all like to indulge ourselves during the holidays, but before you help yourself to that extra serving of turkey, keep in mind how it may affect your joints. Even temporary weight gain during the holiday season adds additional stress to weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees, hips, and lower back.
If you don’t want to spend your Thanksgiving wincing in pain every time you get up from the dinner table, it’s important to learn how to manage your joint pain.
Tips for Managing Joint Pain During the Holidays
Before you sink into the sofa for that post-turkey nap, take a few minutes to move. Gentle activity can help prevent stiffness, flare-ups, and even reduce the risk of falls.
- Incorporate light stretching - Light stretching promotes flexibility and helps maintain a range of motion in the joints. Try standing shoulder raises and wall climbs to ease with shoulder tightness. Seated leg extensions and hamstring stretches help support your knees, while the butterfly pose can improve hip flexibility. Incorporate these movements into your morning routine or after long periods of sitting.
- Stay active - While it may be tempting to rest when joint pain flares, regular low-impact exercise can actually reduce discomfort. Activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming improve circulation, keep joints lubricated, and support overall joint health. Even brief walks throughout the day can make a difference.
- Take a break when needed - It is the holidays after all. If exercise is not a part of your daily routine, building endurance slowly is a good way to prevent joint pain. Try reducing the number of holiday shopping trips or splitting tasks across several days. Listen to your body and rest when necessary.
Schedule an Appointment with Orthopedic Specialists of Jacksonville
If you are living with joint pain, the holidays can be an especially stressful and painful time of year. Our team is here to help. Schedule an appointment with Orthopedic Specialists of Jacksonville today to see how we can help you stay active year-round.