Bengaluru Sees Surge in Joint Problems as Winter Causes Pain and Stiffness | Bengaluru News

BENGALURU: As winter sets in, hospitals in the city are witnessing a surge in patients with bone-related ailments. Several doctors TOI spoke with said they are seeing more patients seeking treatment for bone and joint issues, including arthritis, osteoporosis, and viral arthritis.

Cold weather can exacerbate joint stiffness and bone fragility, especially in the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions. Experts attribute this to reduced physical activity during winter, which weakens muscles and bones, along with cold weather’s impact on blood circulation and joint fluid lubrication.
Dr Narayan Hulse, director-orthopaedics, Fortis Hospital, said, “During winter, we see 25–30 patients weekly with cold-related issues. They fall into three groups. The first includes those with muscle stiffness, which isn’t serious and improves with rest, heat, exercise, and mild painkillers. The second comprises arthritis patients whose symptoms worsen because of joint stiffness; they need routine arthritis care with supportive treatments. The third group suffers from viral arthritis, often severe but self-limiting, resolving in 2-3 months with minimal intervention.”
According to Dr Hulse, cold weather slows metabolism, reduces blood flow, and affects cellular functions, causing these issues. “Awareness can prevent unnecessary hospital visits and overuse of medication,” he added.
Dr Harish Puranik, HOD and consultant-orthopaedics (specialising in sports and joint injuries), Altius Hospital, said, “We notice a significant rise in joint-related issues during winter, often due to flare-up of pre-existing conditions. During colder months, we see 6-8 patients daily with such complaints. Cold weather causes vasoconstriction, narrowing blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the joints and muscles, leading to stiffness and increased joint stress. Tightened muscles, which usually act as shock absorbers, lose their ability to protect joints like the knees, shoulders, and elbows. This combination of stiff muscles and poor circulation heightens joint discomfort.”
Dr Chirag Thonse, consultant-orthopaedic, robotic joint replacement, and arthroscopic surgery, Manipal hospitals, said there is a 20-30% rise in patients reporting polyarthralgia pain during winter. “Joint-related issues increase exponentially in winter due to various factors. In arthritis, joint inflammation becomes more common as cold weather causes muscle spasms around the joints, pressing joint surfaces together and intensifying pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, involving multiple joints, tends to deteriorate in winter, and non-specific polyarthralgia or post-viral arthralgia also show increased pain severity,” he said.
Precautions for better bone health
Stay active: Regular exercise like walking, yoga, or strength training improves joint flexibility, strengthens bones, and reduces stiffness caused by cold weather
Keep warm: Wear layered clothing and gloves to maintain warmth, especially for smaller joints like hands and feet, reducing the risk of stiffness and spasms
Balanced diet: Incorporate calcium and vitamin D-rich foods such as dairy, leafy greens, fish, and fortified cereals to support bone density and overall joint health
Hydrate: Drink enough water to keep the body hydrated, which helps maintain lubrication in the joints
Monitor health: Schedule regular checks, take prescribed supplements if necessary, and consult a doctor if joint pain worsens
(Source: Dr Harish Puranik, HOD and consultant-orthopaedics (specialising in sports and joint injuries), Altius Hospital)