Winter Tips for Joint Pain Relief

As the UK winter brings cold, damp weather, people with arthritis often report experiencing an increase in joint pain, stiffness or swelling. As well as your regular treatment, there are supportive self-care measures that can help maintain mobility and ease symptoms throughout the colder months

Always talk to your GP, rheumatologist or pharmacist before starting any new measure or adjusting medication.

Compression Gloves and Socks

How They Can Help

Compression gloves and socks are designed to provide gentle pressure and warmth to help relieve stiffness and support circulation. Many people with arthritis find that keeping joints warm and supported reduces discomfort and helps them stay active (1,2).

The warmth provided by these garments may:

ease muscle tension
reduce morning stiffness
provide light joint support.

They are often worn while doing everyday tasks or overnight to prevent joints from cooling down.

Safe Use Tips

Ensure gloves or socks fit snugly but not tightly(1).
Choose breathable fabrics such as cotton or Lycra blends to prevent overheating.
Avoid wearing compression garments continuously; take short breaks to allow circulation to return (1).

Heated Blankets and Heat Therapy

How Heat Helps

Heat therapy can be an effective way to relieve stiffness and soothe sore joints. Applying gentle warmth helps to increase blood flow, relax tight muscles and improve flexibility (3).

Heated blankets, electric throws, or underblankets can help you maintain warmth during periods of rest or sleep. Using heat before activity can also prepare stiff joints for movement (3).

Using Heat

Avoid applying heat to joints that are acutely swollen, red or inflamed, in those cases, cold therapy may be more appropriate (3,4).
Do not use heated blankets overnight unless they are specifically designed for long use with automatic safety shut-off features.
Test the temperature before applying if you have reduced sensation or circulation problems.

Arthritis-Friendly Footwear

Why Footwear Matters

The shoes you wear can make a major difference to joint comfort, posture, and mobility, especially in winter, when pavements are cold or slippery. Well-designed footwear can improve your balance and posture, as well as reducing the strain on other key joints (5).

What to Look For

According to Arthritis UK good footwear should(5):

not press or dig into any part of your foot
gently hold your foot in a secure position
be firm but comfortable around the heel
have a 1 cm gap between the end of your longest toe and front of the shoe
have a round front, deep enough for your toes to move
have a broad heel, no higher than 3 cm on average
have a thick, lightweight rubber or non-slip sole.

Ibuprofen (Anti-Inflammatory Relief)

How It Works

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling and inflammation(7). Flarin 200 mg soft capsules contain ibuprofen, and can provide pain relief for non-serious arthritic conditions.

As ibuprofen helps with pain, this can help make movement easier and reduce discomfort during flare-ups or cold weather.

Usage Guidance

Always follow the directions on the packaging or those given by your doctor or pharmacist (6).
Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. If pain persists for more than 10 days, seek medical advice (8).
Some topical forms of ibuprofen gel can be applied directly to affected joints (9).
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time, and discuss regular use with your GP.

Putting It All Together: Winter Comfort Checklist

Below are simple, evidence-based ways to help manage joint stiffness and discomfort during the colder months. Always check with your GP, pharmacist, or physiotherapist before starting new treatments or using over-the-counter medicines regularly.

Supportive Strategy	How It Helps	Safety Tips
Compression gloves / socks	Provide warmth, light support and improved circulation	Avoid tight fit; take regular breaks
Heated blanket / heat therapy	Helps relax muscles, reduces stiffness	Use low setting; avoid on inflamed joints
Supportive footwear	Improves comfort and balance; reduces joint strain	Choose cushioned soles and non-slip grip
Ibuprofen (NSAID)	Reduces pain and inflammation	Follow dosage; consult GP if using regularly

When to Seek Professional Advice

You should speak to your GP, pharmacist or physiotherapist if:

Pain or swelling worsens despite supportive measures
You notice new symptoms such as redness, warmth, or joint deformity
You plan to take ibuprofen regularly or alongside other medications
You need custom supports or footwear adjustments

These simple steps, keeping warm, supporting your joints, and using anti-inflammatory treatments as instructed, can make winter more comfortable and help maintain mobility through the colder months.

Flarin 200mg soft capsules. Contain ibuprofen. Relief from joint and muscular pain, pain of nonserious arthritic conditions (caused by joint inflammation), back pain. Always read the label.

References