This can lead to increased inflammation leading to discomfort or pain and swelling.

Here are a few ways you can relieve your arthritis pain in the summer months:

Stay cool
Use fans to keep your home cool and keep the windows open in the cooler hours of the day. Having a cool shower or bath can help you instantly cool you down.

Getting sunburnt easily? Check your medication for sun-sensitive side-effects
Some medications cause sensitivity to the sun. If you’re taking a drug that makes you sun-sensitive you will need to be extra careful. Always wear sunscreen and wear long-sleeved light colored shirts and long trousers.

Use cold packs
Cold packs can help numb pain, decrease swelling, and block nerve impulses to the joint dulling pain.

Topical treatments
If your symptoms are mild you may find relief from topical creams, ointments or gels. These creams tend to work best on the joints in your hands and knees.

Low-impact activities
Depending on the kind of arthritis you may have you might require a tailored regime based on your doctor or physiotherapists’ recommendation. Swimming, cycling, tai chi, and walking can strengthen the muscles around the joints which helps to protect the joints themselves.

Drink more water
Being adequately hydrated can keep your joints well lubricated. In hot weather, this cushioning fluid can decrease when temperatures fluctuate or when you’re dehydrated.

Epsom salt bath
Epsom salts are rich sources of magnesium and sulfate. When you soak in an Epsom salt bath these minerals are able to soak to help relax muscles, loosen stiff joints, reduce inflammation and the pain associated with arthritis.

You should speak to your doctor before you make any changes to help reduce your arthritis symptoms to see if they’re appropriate for you to get the best relief.

If you find that getting into and out of your bath is becoming unsafe due to your arthritis, consider a UDOOR Bathtub installation for improved access. We can convert your bath into a walk-in bath in a single day.