If your joints have started feeling stiffer or achier lately, or your knees have started clicking more than usual, you're far from alone. Joint pain is one of the most common concerns we see at Empower Physical Therapy & Wellness this time of year, and it tends to follow a pattern.
How it typically starts
It often begins with occasional clicking in the knees that doesn't hurt. Over time, that clicking can turn painful, with soreness settling in around the kneecap or the inside of the knee. Some people notice it after walking around for a while, or that it takes a few steps for their knees to "get going" again after sitting for a stretch.
Why cold weather makes it worse
Two factors are usually at play. First, cold weather naturally restricts blood flow, and that blood flow is part of what keeps joints warm and mobile. Second, most people are simply less active during the colder months than they are in warmer weather.
Staying mobile works a bit like oil in an engine — joints need regular movement to avoid stiffening up. Long stretches of winter inactivity can end up being the hidden root cause of joint pain that seems to appear "all of a sudden" but has actually been building for years, as muscles gradually weaken and lose their ability to support the joints around them.
Why easing back in matters
It's tempting to assume you'll pick exercise back up once the weather warms. But muscles need to be strong and stable before they can handle exercise safely — jumping into intense activity too quickly after a period of inactivity raises the risk of injury and can make sore joints feel worse.
Simple ways to stay ahead of it
The most reliable way to keep winter aches at bay is including some form of activity in your day, every day — it doesn't have to be outdoors. Low-impact options like Pilates or yoga at home, or using an exercise bike while you watch TV, all count.
When to get it checked out
If joint pain is sticking around or getting worse despite staying active, it's worth having it evaluated rather than waiting it out. The physical therapists at Empower Physical Therapy & Wellness can help identify what's driving your joint pain and build a plan to keep you moving comfortably through the winter and beyond.
