The southwestern monsoon is almost on our doorstep. The rains cool the earth after the severe heatwave, but monsoon often comes with many waterborne diseases and illnesses like arthritis. The cold weather and the dropping temperature escalate the swelling and pain in arthritis patients. Besides, the moisture and the air pressure change during monsoon causing difficulties in those who already suffer from arthritis. Dr. Prithviraj Deshmukh, orthopaedic surgeon at the Nexus Day Surgery Centre suggests a few tips to minimize the difficulties of arthritis in monsoon.

Keep your body warm
Keeping the body warm is important to control arthritis. Blood flow increases when the body is warm, reducing the pain. You could press hot water bags on the joints or wear warm clothes.
Exercise
It may not be possible to go for your daily walk during monsoon. But, lack of exercise may increase the pain and other difficulties. So, you could try walking, stretching or flexibility exercises inside the house. This increases the blood flow and reduces joint pain.
Nutritious food
Try including food items with anti-inflammatory properties in your monsoon diet. Food items that contain vitamin E should be consumed. Nuts, avocado, seeds, seafood, berries, whole grains, fruits and eggs could be included in your daily diet.

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Body weight
Being overweight enhances joint pain and other difficulties. So, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, especially during the monsoon.
Avoid AC
It is better not to use AC in monsoon as it worsens the symptoms. Do not forget to seek medical help if the pain becomes unbearable. Moreover, make sure to take the medications properly on time.

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