Arthritis And Hip Problems Spike During Monsoon

Monsoon invites various health problems, particularly for those suffering from hip problems and arthritis.  These conditions often tend to worsen especially during monsoon causing discomfort and feelings of frustration. Understanding the root causes of these problems can help take necessary precautions in treating problems associated with arthritis and hip problems. Timely intervention is key to preventing and managing arthritis and hip pain and improving the quality of life.

Monsoon not only causes skin or gastric problems but even arthritis and hip pain.  “A drop in atmospheric pressure is quite common during monsoons, resulting in increased pain. These frequent changes in pressure can cause your tissues to expand, putting extreme strain on your joints and nerves. Increased humidity in the air during monsoon can cause swelling in your joints. Swollen joints can cause discomfort and extreme pain, especially for those suffering from arthritis. Humidity and moisture in the air can make your joints stiff, making it difficult to move or even walk. During the monsoon, the surface becomes slippery due to extreme rain. This can significantly increase the risk of slips and falls, resulting in sudden trauma and hip injuries. Constant temperature changes from warm to cool can make the muscles around your hip tighten. People can experience extreme pain and discomfort in their joints and hips.

  “It becomes crucial to spot the early signs of arthritis and hip problems for early detection and effective treatment. One should look for signs like persistent pain in the joints, joints becoming stiff, especially during the morning, inflammation around the joints, restricted mobility, popping or clicking sounds in the hip after certain movements, and weakness in the muscles around the hip. Immediately consult the doctor if you start to experience these signs for timely intervention.”

“During the monsoon, it might become challenging to go outdoors to engage in physical activity. Being physically inactive for a longer period can worsen your symptoms of arthritis and hip problems. Engaging in easy and low-impact physical activity like yoga, stretching, and walking indoors can help keep your joints and muscles strong. The chances of slips and falls increase significantly during monsoon. This is why it is important to choose footwear that has the proper grip to prevent you from falling on wet surfaces. Choose footwear that provides firm support as it can help reduce the strain on your knees and joints. If you suddenly start to experience increased knee or joint pain, then immediately consult the doctor for expert guidance. They can further examine your condition and recommend tailored treatment plans to relieve pain. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially during monsoon helps keep your joints lubricated. Make sure to drink at least 1 to 2 liters of water every day.”

“Physical therapy mostly focuses on stretching muscles around the joints, improving overall flexibility, and also reducing the intensity of the pain. A detailed exercise regime will be advised for speedy recovery and improving the quality of life. For temporary relief applying a cold pack on the affected area can numb the area and help reduce inflammation. To relieve joint stiffness and muscle spasms during monsoon, one can apply a hot pack for positive outcomes. In severe cases of arthritis, surgical options like hip replacement through the SuperPATH technique or knee replacement surgery can help provide relief. Minimally invasive surgery like arthroscopy helps repair or remove the damaged tissues in the joint. The expert will decide the line of treatment based on the symptoms. Try to follow the instructions and you will be able to resume your daily routine without any difficulty. Stay vigilant and prevent arthritis or hip pain during monsoon.”

Dr Ashish Arbat, Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Jehangir Multispeciality Hospitals, Pune