Debosmita Ghosh • 20 Jul 2024
Increase In Joint Pains, Sprains During Monsoons; Doctors Share Causes, Precautions And Treatment Options
Increase In Joint Pains, Sprains During Monsoons
There has been an increase in joint pain, muscle pain, sprains and injuries and doctors attribute it to the monsoons. They say that there’s around a 30% to 40% increase in the number of patients. Read on as doctors speak on the increase, its causes, precautions and treatment options.
Speaking on Times Now, Dr Chethana D, Consultant, Rheumatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore said that there has been a significant increase in 5-10% and follow-up visits increase by 50% over the past 2-3 weeks.
Dr Varsha Bhatt, Rheumatologist at Apollo Clinic, Wanowrie, Pune said, “Around 30 to 40% increase in the number of patients with flares and post viral arthritis has been noticed in this monsoon season. This is a matter of concern as it leads to more days lost from work.”
Causes of rise in joint and muscle pain in monsoons
Dr Bhatt said that most inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis flares in cold weather and monsoon seasons. “Cold aggravates pain and stiffness in the joints. The gelling phenomenon in osteoarthritis also may increase during this season. Monsoons bring many viral infections with it such as dengue and chikungunya which are the cause of post viral arthritis and muscle inflammation.”
Dr Ravikumar Mukartihal, Consultant Orthopaedic and Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery at SPARSH Hospital, Bengaluru listed a few causes and symptoms of joint and muscle pain during monsoon.
“Changes in weather conditions always bring seasonal challenges in terms of health. Pain in the joints and muscles comes with the monsoon.”
- Cold weather, changing humidity and barometric pressure affect the joints and muscles causing stiffness and resulting in pain.
- Anyone suffering from arthritis sees an increase in pain because of the inflammatory responses triggered by the weather changes.
- Certain infections that are seen during the monsoon season affect the muscles and joints and this exacerbates the already-existing pain.
- Increasing hydration levels and reduced physical activities are also some of the reasons for joint and muscle pains
“Many times these muscle and joint pains are accompanied by one or more symptoms such as – stiffness in the joints, muscle aches, swelling, fatigue, pain during movements and cracking sounds when experiencing stiffness,” said Dr Mukartihal.
Precautions to prevent joint and muscle pain
Dr Chethana D shared some precautions that one can take during monsoon to avoid muscle pain, strain, or injuries.
- Proper warm-up before physical activities to prevent strains and muscle injuries.
- Wear appropriate footwear with a good grip to avoid slipping on wet surfaces.
- Engage in regular exercises to maintain muscle strength and flexibility.
- Keeping the body hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet to support overall muscle health.
- Seeking medical attention in case of persistent muscle pain or discomfort to prevent further complications.
Dr Bhatt said, “If you already have rheumatoid arthritis, ensure your medication is going on regularly and your visits to the rheumatologist are up to date.”
Treatment options for joint and muscle pain
Dr Mukartihal said that in cases where the pain is not subsiding or it is chronic it would be best to:
- Warm compress either through heating pads or a warm bath helps alleviate pain
- Gentle massage with warm and essential oils increases blood circulation and reduces muscle tension providing relief from pain
- Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relief gels or creams can be used
- Prescription medication helps when dealing with chronic pains added with weather changes
- Physical therapy helps when joint and muscle pains are experienced.
Dr. Chethana D added “Treatments for muscle pain, strain, and injuries during the monsoon may include rest, ice packs or cold compresses to reduce inflammation, elevation of the affected area, gentle massage, and, if necessary, consultation with the doctor for further evaluation and treatment.